The reaction of 2,4,6-Me3C6H2PHNa with Sn(NMe2)2 (3 : 1 equivalents, respectively) results in the formation of the unusual [{2,4,6-Me3C6H2P}{4,6-Me2C6H2(2-CH2)P}Sn]3− stannate trianion in the heterometallic cage [{2,4,6-Me3C6H2P}{4,6-Me2C6H2(2-CH2)P}Sn]Na3·2TMEDA]4 (1), in which unprecedented ortho-Me deprotonation of a [2,4,6-Me3C6H2P]2−
![Graphical abstract: Stabilisation of an ortho-deprotonated mesityl group within the unusual [{2,4,6-Me3C6H2P}{4,6-Me2C6H2(2-CH2)P}Sn]3− stannate ion](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/B303390M.jpg)