Revisiting [(RSn(IV))6Sn(III)2S12]: directed synthesis, crystal transformation, and luminescence properties.

We report the synthesis of the mixed-valence cluster [(R(5)Sn(IV))6Sn(III)2S12] [1; R(5) = CMe2CH2C(O)Me] under optimization of the reaction conditions. A new crystalline form of 1 in the orthorhombic space group Pbca was found at 250 K, which undergoes crystal transformation into the known monoclinic one at lower temperature. Further, we have studied the luminescence properties of 1. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements confirm the lability of the tin-chalcogenide bonds to UV irradiation, while the organic ligands are much less affected by it.