The synthesis and crystal structure of the first metal-bound stannatrane complex Os(Sn[OCH2CH2]3N)(η2-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2: structural comparisons with the analogous silatrane complex Os(Si[OCH2CH2]3N)(η2-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2

The first metal substituted stannatrane, Os(Sn- [OCH2CH2]3N)(η2-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2, has been synthesised by reaction between triethanolamine and the triiodostannyl osmium complex Os(SnI3)(η2-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2: the transannular Sn–N distance of 2.422(4) Å indicates a bonding interaction which is not seen in the corresponding silatranyl complex Os(Si[OCH2CH2]3N)- (η2-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2 which has an Si–N distance of 3.176(6) Å.