Tin(IV) chloride

chemical compound

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

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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 SnCl62- ion.

Preparation

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It is made by reacting tin with chlorine.

Sn + 2 Cl2 → SnCl4

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.

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