The reaction of diethyl zinc with 2,4,6-triisopropyl thiophenol (HSR*) and
N-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl imidazole (ImCH(2)OH) in methanol yields the compl
ex Zn-4(SR*)(4) (ImCH(2)O)(3)(OMe) with terminal SR* and bridging ImCH(2)O
and MeO ligands. The structure of its Zn4O4 framework is that of a bicyclo
[2.2.2] octane with Zn and O at the two apices.