A PtS-like 42.84 topology arising from the self-assembly of square-planar nodes via organotin units: synthesis and crystal structure of the metal-organic framework {[(PhCH2)3Sn]2Ni(CN)4} n.

The self-assembly of K2[Ni(CN)4] with (PhCH2)3SnCl in a 1:2 molar ratio affords the title three-dimensional coordination polymer, poly[hexa-benzyl-tetra-μ-cyanato-nickel(II)ditin(IV)], [NiSn2(C7H7)6(CN)4] n or {[(PhCH2)3Sn]2Ni(CN)4} n . The asymmetric unit is composed of four Ni(CN)4 units and eight (PhCH2)3Sn units. This neutral guest-free metal-organic framework (MOF) has a connectivity defined by the circuit symbol 42.84. The same circuit symbol was originally observed for PtS. The nickel(II) atom in each of the four Ni(CN)4 units has a square-planar geometry, while the penta-coordinated Sn atoms have distorted trigonal-pyramidal geometries. The benzyl groups are involved in a number of C-H⋯π inter-actions, which help to consolidate the framework. There are also two pairs of ring-metal inter-actions present involving two nickel atoms.