The stannides Li 2 CuSn 2 and Li 2 AgSn 2 were synthesized by induction-melting (or in a muffle furnace) of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. The new phases were characterized by powder Xray diffraction. The structures of both stannides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on single crystals: Li 2 AuSn 2 type, I4 1 /amd, a = 442.6(1), c = 1940.9(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0742, 310 F 2 values for Li 2 CuSn 2 and a = 456.33(9) c = 2018.2(6) pm, wR2 = 0.0626, 339 F 2 values for Li 2 AgSn 2 with 10 variables for each refinement. The transition metal (T) atoms have tetrahedral tin coordination. The TSn 4 tetrahedra are condensed via common corners forming layers that are further con-* Prof. Dr. R. Pöttgen