Synthesis and structures of monomeric group 14 triols and their reactivity

The first stable stannanetriol and germanetriol bearing sterically congested aryl groups were synthesized by hydrolysis of the corresponding trichloro-stannane and -germane. The stannanetriol is monomeric in solution as well as in the crystalline state, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis and CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The stannanetriol reacted with silicone grease to afford a cagelike compound having three Sn–O–Si–O–Sn linkages in the molecule. All the group 14 triols can be converted to the corresponding trihalo compounds in good yields.