[38]Octaphyrin bis-Sn(IV) complexes with unique coordination geometries
Metal complexation of octaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1) triggers unique ring-fixation aptitudes or unexpected rearrangement (cleavage) reactions. In this paper, a unique complexation behavior of [38]octaphyrin upon tin(IV) metalation is showcased. Two new [38]octaphyrin bis-Sn(IV) complexes 2Sn and 3Sn were isolated and characterized as weakly aromatic molecules. While 2Sn with the [Formula: see text] molecular symmetry displayed a similar characteristic to octaphyrin bis-Si(IV) and bis-Ge(IV) complexes reported previously, 3Sn showed a different coordination mode that is fixed by intramolecular hydrogen bondings between pyrrolic NH and axially ligated OH on the tin ion as revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. An unexpected dimeric structure was also observed during an attempt to grow crystals of 2Sn. These characteristic behaviors indicate that the ring-fixation aptitude of octaphyrin is quite sensitive to the nature of metal ions even for the same group 14 elements.