Synthesis and structure of an ether-bridged double ladder compound: potential in host - guest chemistry

The synthesis of the first example of an organotin double ladder (<b>6</b>) containing a functional group within the spacer is reported. In the solid state, compound <b>6</b> shows an interlaminar cavity whose size and shape suggest the possibility of host–guest chemistry. ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR and ESMS show that compound <b>6</b> undergoes extensive dissociation in solution. ESMS of compound <b>6</b> to which have been added Li⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺ or Cu²⁺ show only minimal interaction.<br /><br /><br />