Polystannanes—Synthesis and Properties

Abstract Polystannanes were prepared from H2SnR2 with the catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3], or by reaction of Cl2SnR2 with Na in liquid ammonia. The polymers showed a characteristic peak in 119Sn NMR and UV-vis spectra, and a yellow color. Using common techniques, the polymers could be processed into films and oriented, the latter leading to a dichroism. The polystannanes are sensitive to light, more pronounced for R = alkyl than for R = aryl. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT