Organotin(iv) Derivatives of Azoles

A comprehensive survey of the syntheses and of spectroscopic, analytical and crystal structure data on organotin(IV) complexes containing mono-, bi, or tri-dentate imidazole-and pyrazole-type ligands have been performed. These compounds have been receiving increasing attention in recent years owing to the importance of tin-based anti-tumour drugs. This review outlines also possible strategies that can be used in this field and reviews the present literature regarding similar compounds. Statistical analysis of structural features are reported as a function of I) steric and electronic properties of the azole ligand; 2) steric and electronic features of the organic group bonded to tin(IV); 3) nature of the counter-ion.