Synthesis and characterization of [Sn2{C6H3-2,6(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2}2]-: a singly reduced valence isomer of a'distannyne.'

Group 14 compounds analogous to the dianion [ArGaGaAr]2- may be synthesized from ArSnSnAr by singly reducing the latter's tin analog to the [ArSnSnAr]-anion. The process employs the reduction of Sn(Cl)Ar in THF solution. The characterization of this anion required the determination of its X-ray crystal structure and analysis of structural and spectroscopic data. Structural data imply that the p-p pi-bond overlap is quite weak.