polystannanes
Polystannanes are polymers in which tin atoms form the main chain, linked by Sn–Sn single bonds. Each tin carries organic substituents, giving a repeating unit that is often described as –[SnR]–n, where R is an organic group. They are the tin analogues of other main‑group polymers and are of interest for understanding the chemistry of metal–metal bonded backbones.
Synthesis and challenges: Polystannanes are typically prepared by dehalogenative coupling of dihalostannane precursors under reductive conditions
Structure and properties: The Sn–Sn backbone tends to adopt a zigzag geometry, with conformational preferences affected
Applications and research: Polystannanes are mainly of academic interest as models for main‑group polymers and for
Safety: Tin‑containing compounds are toxic; handle polystannanes with appropriate precautions, under inert conditions, and dispose of