Synthesis and characterization of the first poly(imidazolyl)borate organotin(IV) complex exhibiting a polymeric chain structure

The reaction between SnRnX4−n (R=Me, Ph or cy; n=2 or 3) acceptors and sodium tetrakis(imidazol-1-yl)borate, Na[B(im)4], yields {[B(im)4]RnSnCl4−n−1} compounds. The X-ray crystal structure of [μ-(im)2B(im)2SnMe3] is the first example of a polymeric derivative containing the [B(im)4]− ligand coordinated in bridging fashion.