Long-chain tin(iv) alkanethiolates (Sn(SCnH2n+1)4, n ≥ 12) with the coexistence of trans and gauche S-C bonds: a class of lamellar van der Waals molecular crystals

Single-crystal XRD crystallography discloses a new class of vdWs molecular crystals, long-chain tin(IV) alkanethiolates (Sn(SCnH2n+1)(4), n >= 12). They exhibit a lamellar structure formed from molecular self-assembly due to the vdWs interactions of long all-trans alkyl chains, a nearly planar and rigid molecular geometry resulting from the coexistence of two trans and two gauche S-C bonds, and a variety of chain-length dependent physicochemical properties.

Automated summary

Single-crystal XRD crystallography reveals a new class of vdWs molecular crystals with a lamellar structure formed by the self-assembly of long alkyl chains. They possess a nearly planar and rigid molecular geometry resulting from the presence of trans and gauche S-C bonds, and exhibit a variety of physicochemical properties dependent on chain length.