Adducts of tin(II) chloride with imidazole and methylimidazoles

Reactions of SnCl2 with excess imidazole, 1- methyl-, 4-methyl- and 1,2-dimethylimidazole in THF afforded solid 1:2 adducts in each case. The products were air-sensitive white solids with minimal solubilities in most unreactive solvents. Investigation of the adducts by IR, NMR and X-ray PES indicated that their structures involved coordination of the pyridine-like nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring to the tin atom. Proton and ligand exchange reactions were indicated in DMSO solutions of the adducts. © 1989.