Other Tin

Tin(II) chloride (stannous chloride) is a white crystalline solid with the formula SnCl₂. It forms a stable dihydrate, but aqueous solutions tend to undergo hydrolysis, particularly if hot. more...

SnCl₂ is widely used as a reducing agent (in acid solution), and in electrolytic baths for tin-plating. Tin(II) chloride should not be confused with the other chloride of tin, tin(IV) chloride or stannic chloride (SnCl₄).

Structure

SnCl₂ has a lone pair, such that the molecule in the gas phase is bent. In the solid state, crystalline SnCl₂ forms chains linked via chloride bridges as shown. The dihydrate is also three-coordinate, with one water coordinated on to the tin, and a second water coordinated to the first. The main part of the molecule stacks into double layers in the crystal lattice, with the "second" water sandwiched between the layers.

Chemical properties

Tin(II) chloride can dissolve in less than its own mass of water without apparent decomposition, but as the solution is diluted hydrolysis occurs to form an insoluble basic salt:

Therefore if clear solutions of tin(II) chloride are to be used, hydrochloric acid must be added in order to maintain the equilibrium towards the left-hand side (using Le Chatelier's principle). Solutions of SnCl₂ are also unstable towards oxidation by the air:

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