Observation of a Direct SnLi Bond; The Crystal and Molecular Structure of Monomeric [Ph3SnLi · PMDETA] and the Detection of 119, 117Sn7Li NMR Coupling in Solution

The metalation of Ph3SnH with nBuLi in the presence of the tridentate amine ligand N, N, N′, N″, N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) provides the title compound. Crystal structure analysis shows this to be monomeric in the solid state and to contain a direct SnLi bond. This structure is preserved in solution, as demonstrated in low-temperature 7Li NMR studies.