The tetranuclear dimethyltin(IV) complex (L)SnMe2(mu O-3)(SnMe2)(2)(mu (3)-
O)SnCl2Me2, which was obtained from Me2SnCl2 and the tetradentate Schiff ba
se ligand N-2-[3'-(methoxysalicylideneimino)benzyl]-3 "- -methoxysalicylide
neimine (H2L) avoiding strictly moisture-free conditions, displays one seve
n and three five-coordinate dimethyltin moieties bridged by two mu (3)-oxo
groups as the basic structural features. Retention of solid state structure
in solution is indicated by NMR spectra.