in not given (Zn(S2P(OC6H4Me-p)2)2) treated with 4 equivs. ButO(OH) in the absence water;

in isopropyl alcohol soln. (NMe4)(OCOC17H35) in propan-2-ol added slowly with stirring to (Zn(S2P(OC6H4Me-p)2)2) in propan-2-ol; ppt. (zinc stearate) filtered off, soln. allowed to stand at room temp.for 24 h, (NMe4)(Zn(S2P(OC6H4Me-p)2)3) filtered off, mother-liquor evapd. in vacuo - (NMe4)(S2P(OC6H4Me-p)2);