Tin(IV) chloride

Tin(IV) chloride, also known as stannic chloride or tin tetrachloride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is SnCl₄. It contains tin and chloride ions. The tin is in its +4 oxidation state.

Anhydrous (without water in chemical structure) liquid form

Hydrated (with water in chemical structure) solid form

Properties

It is a corrosive liquid (anhydrous) or solid (hydrated). It makes hydrochloric acid fumes which irritate the nose. It reacts with strong bases to make tin(IV) oxide hydrate. It also reacts with hydrochloric acid to make the SnCl₆^2- ion.

Preparation

It is made by reacting tin with chlorine.

Sn + 2 Cl₂ → SnCl₄

Uses

It was used in World War I to create irritating clouds of smoke. It is also used to make tin(IV) fluoride. It is also used to make organic compounds that have tin in them.

Related pages

• Tin(II) chloride
• Tin(IV) bromide
• Tin(IV) iodide