Synthesis, structure and reactivity of hydrated and dehydrated organotin cations

Monomeric organotin dications {[nBu2Sn(H2O)4]2+·2C6H5SO3-} and {[nBu2Sn(H2O)4]2+·1,5-C10H6(SO3-)2} have been synthesized by the reaction of [nBu2SnO]n and the corresponding arylsulfonic acid. Dodecanuclear organooxotin macrocations {[(nBuSn)12(μ 3-O)14(μ 2-OH)6]2+·2RSO3-} (R = C6H5; 2,5-Me2C6H3) have been synthesized by the reaction of nBuSn(O)(OH) and the corresponding arylsulfonic acid. The X-ray crystal structure of one of the dodecanuclear cages is reported. These organotin cations have been shown to be effective catalysts in acetylation and transacetylation reactions