Vapour pressure-controlled crystallization of [(Me3Sn)2Ni(CN)4]: a remote Hofmann-type coordination polymer

Aqueous solutions of K2[Ni(CN)4] readily absorb Me3SnCl from the vapour phase to afford, at a temperature of 4°C, well-grown single crystals of [(Me3Sn)2Ni(CN)4], 1. In contrast to the recently reported quasi-homologue [(Ph3Sn)2Ni(CN)4·Ph3SnOH], 2, 1 involves almost planar, infinite 2∞[Ni(μ-CNSnNC)2] layers, stapled according to a ABCDA... pattern (shortest interlayer Ni⋯Sn distance: ca. 4.51 Å).