The first thermally robust Ge(II) -Sn(II) compound 1 and the structurally characterized Sn(II) -Sn(II) analogue 2, which maintain their structural integrity in solution, were obtained by treating MAr2 (M=Ge, Sn; Ar=2,6-(Me2 N)2 C6 H3 ) with Sn[1,8-(NR2 )2 C10 H6 ] (R=CH2 tBu). On the basis of structural and spectroscopic data, the M-Sn bond is regarded as the interaction of a MAr2 donor with an Sn[1,8-(NR2 )2 C10 H6 ] acceptor.