Synthesis of 1: Sodium (0.19 g, 8.13 mmol) reduction of 1, 12-Me2-1, 12-closo-C2B10H10 (0.20 g, 1.16 mmol) in liquid ammonia (ca. 20 mL) at− 78ºC for 4 h yielded a dark blue solution. Removal of ammonia upon warming allowed the dry residue to be extracted into degassed THF (20 mL). The grey suspension was filtered into a Schlenk tune under nitrogen affording a clear solution, which was transferred via cannula to a THF (20 mL) solution of SnCl2 (0.22 g, 1.16 mmol) frozen to− 196ºC. The mixture was slowly warmed to RT with ...