Synthesis and characterization of di-/triorgano stannates bearing tin-sulfonate bonds

► The synthesis of di-/triorgaostannates, [R2Sn(OSO2Me)4]2− (R = Me, Et, Ph) and [Ph3Sn(OSO2Me)2]− is described. ► The method involves sulfur-centered Arbuzov type rearrangement in dimethylsulfite. ► The covalent nature of tin-sulfonate bonds is established by X-ray crystallographic studies.