The preparation and X-ray structure of heptasulfurimidostearate

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the stearic acid derivative of S7NH, (S7N)C(O)(CH2)16CH3, is reported. The S–N bond lengths are significantly longer (average 1.704 Å) than those in heptasulfur imide from which it is derived. However, the nitrogen atom environment is not tetrahedral but essentially planar and there is some S–S bond length alternation suggesting that the ring has some multiple bonding character. The three independent molecules pack with alkyl chains over alkyl chains and S–N rings over S–N rings. This arrangement is probably due to favourable intermolecular contacts between sulfur atoms which range from 3.35 to 3.63 Å.