Stannous chloride is a chemical compound with the formula SnCl2. It is used as a reducing agent, a mordant in textile dyeing, and as a test for gold.
| IUPAC Name | Tin(II) chloride |
| Molecular Formula | SnCl2 |
| CAS Number | 7772-99-8 |
| Synonyms | Tin dichloride, tin(II) chloride, tin salt, tin protochloride, tin dichloride dihydrate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2ClH.Sn/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 |
Stannous chloride molar mass
SnCl2 has a molar mass of 189.6 g/mol. It is a compound made up of one tin atom and two chlorine atoms. The molar mass is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of each element in the compound, which are 118.71 g/mol for tin and 35.45 g/mol for chlorine. SnCl2 is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in water and alcohol.
Stannous chloride boiling point
The boiling point of SnCl2 is 623 °C (1153 °F). This is the temperature at which the liquid form of SnCl2 turns into a gas. The boiling point is an important physical property of a substance because it determines the conditions under which it will vaporize. SnCl2 is commonly used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions, and its high boiling point makes it useful in high-temperature applications.
Stannous chloride melting point
The melting point of SnCl2 is 246 °C (475 °F). This is the temperature at which the solid form of SnCl2 turns into a liquid. The melting point is an important physical property of a substance because it determines the conditions under which it will change from a solid to a liquid. SnCl2 is used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications, including as a reducing agent, a mordant in textile dyeing, and a test for gold.
Stannous chloride density g/ml
The density of SnCl2 is 3.95 g/mL. Density is a physical property of a substance that describes the mass of the substance per unit volume. The high density of SnCl2 is due to its relatively heavy tin atoms. The density of SnCl2 makes it useful in applications where high-density liquids are required, such as in chemical synthesis and analysis.
Stannous chloride molecular weight
The molecular weight of SnCl2 is 189.6 g/mol. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. The molecular weight of SnCl2 is important in determining the amount of the substance required for a given reaction or process.
Stannous chloride structure
SnCl2 has a crystalline structure in which each tin atom is surrounded by four chlorine atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. This structure is similar to that of other metal halides, such as aluminum chloride and iron(III) chloride. SnCl2 is also known as tin(II) chloride because it contains tin in its +2 oxidation state.
Stannous chloride formula
The formula for stannous chloride is SnCl2. This formula indicates that each molecule of stannous chloride contains one tin atom and two chlorine atoms. The formula is important in chemical reactions because it allows scientists to predict the products that will be formed when stannous chloride reacts with other substances. The formula is also important in industrial and laboratory applications, where precise amounts of stannous chloride must be added to achieve desired results.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 189.6 g/mol |
| Density | 3.95 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 246 °C (475 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 623 °C (1153 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | 2.7 |
| pH | 2.5 – 3.0 |
Stannous Chloride Safety and Hazards
SnCl2 (SnCl2) can be hazardous if not handled properly. It is corrosive to skin and eyes and can cause severe burns. It can also cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. When handling SnCl2, you should use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, in a well-ventilated area. You should store it in a tightly closed container, away from heat, sources of ignition, and incompatible materials. If it comes into contact with your skin, you should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets into your eyes, you should immediately flush the affected eye with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Keep out of reach of children. Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
| UN Ids | UN2802 |
| HS Code | 2827.39 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Toxic when ingested or inhaled; corrosive to skin and eyes |
Stannous Chloride Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize stannous chloride, including:
Adding tin to hydrochloric acid, results in the formation of stannous chloride and hydrogen gas:
The reaction equation is Sn + 2HCl → SnCl2 + H2
Adding tin to an aqueous solution of chlorine, which results in the formation of stannous chloride and hydrochloric acid:
The reaction equation is Sn + Cl2 + 2H2O → SnCl2 + 2HCl
Reducing tin(IV) chloride with hydrogen gas or zinc, which results in the formation of stannous chloride:
The reaction equations are SnCl4 + 2H2 → SnCl2 + 4HCl and SnCl4 + Zn → SnCl2 + ZnCl2, respectively.
Recrystallization from water or ethanol can improve the purity of the stannous chloride produced. Another method commonly used for industrial-scale production is the electrolysis of a solution of tin(II) chloride in hydrochloric acid.
It is important to handle and dispose of hazardous materials with care when synthesizing stannous chloride, and appropriate safety precautions should be taken at all times.
Stannous Chloride Uses
Stannous chloride (SnCl2) plays a crucial role in various industries due to its multiple applications. Chemists use it as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis, and as a source of tin ions in tin plating and tin oxide coatings. Moreover, textile dyeing experts use SnCl2 as a mordant.
Industries such as glassmaking, ceramics, and pigments rely on SnCl2 during their production processes. Tin salts and other tin compounds are also synthesized using this compound.
In the medical industry, SnCl2 serves as a diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine imaging. Furthermore, dentists use it in dental alloys, in treating gingivitis, and as a disinfectant for dental equipment.
SnCl2 finds its use in the food industry as a preservative, antioxidant, and color fixative for canned fruits and vegetables. In addition, it acts as a color stabilizer in beer and a leavening agent in baking powder.
Pyrotechnicians use SnCl2 to produce fireworks, and organic chemists use it as a catalyst in various reactions. Furthermore, it has been the subject of research as a potential treatment for cancer and other diseases.
In conclusion, SnCl2 is an essential compound in various industries, and its versatility contributes to its continuously expanding applications.
Questions:
Q: What is the role of stannous chloride in toothpaste?
A: SnCl2 is often used in toothpaste as an antibacterial agent and to help reduce tooth sensitivity. It has been shown to help control the growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the occurrence of gingivitis.
Q: Can stannous chloride be used for nitro to amine reduction?
A: Yes, SnCl2 can be used as a reducing agent in the conversion of nitro compounds to their corresponding amine derivatives. This reaction is commonly used in organic chemistry and can be carried out under a variety of conditions, depending on the specific reaction requirements.
Q: What is the stannous chloride gold test?
A: In the mining and metallurgical industries, professionals use the SnCl2 gold test to detect the presence of gold in a given sample. They add SnCl2 to the sample, which causes the gold to precipitate out of the solution and form a characteristic purple or brown color. This test helps them determine the gold content of ores and other materials.