An unexpected Sn-Ph cleavage by mercaptoacetic acid

The reaction of triphenyltin chloride and mercaptoacetic acid under mild reaction conditions in the presence of an amine resulted in the cleavage of a Sn-Ph bond. This cleavage reaction was not observed when triphenyltin hydroxide or other triorganotin chlorides were employed. A possible pathway was proposed for the Sn-Ph cleavage.