Organotin(IV) from Simple Complexes to Macromolecules: A Review Inspired by the Late Professor Charles Carraher

The coordination chemistry of the organotin(IV) compounds is dominated by nitrogen and oxygen donor ligands. Some of these complexes have found prominent applications in the fields of biomedicine such as anticancer and antibacterial agents. These complexes represent important building blocks in polymer and supramolecular assembly. This review aims to summarize the recent literature on the chemistry of organotin complexes with imine and polypyridyl ligands such as bipyridine, phenanthroline and terpyridine ligands as well as oxygen donor ligands and O, N donor ligands. Given that many organotin(IV) chlorides are inexpensive, widely available, and can be easily converted to the other corresponding halides and pseudo-halides, numerous innovative ideas could be generated through application of these compounds. Polymer-containing tin moieties were also highlighted and their biological activities in combatting diseases such as cancer and inflammatory and infectious diseases were described.