Dibutyltin dilaurate (abbreviated DBTDL) is an organotin compound with the formula . It is a colorless viscous and oily liquid. It is used as a catalyst.
In terms of its structure, the molecule of dibutyltin dilaurate consists of two laurate groups and two butyl groups attached to a tin(IV) atom. The molecular geometry at tin is tetrahedral. Based on the crystal structure of the related bis(bromobenzoate), the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl groups are weakly bonded to tin atom.[1] According to some authors, this compound is a dibutyltin(IV) ester of lauric acid.[2]
Upon heating to decomposition temperature (which is above 250 °C), dibutyltin dilaurate emits acrid smoke and fumes.
Dibutyltin dilaurate is used as a paint additive. Together with dibutyltin dioctanoate, dibutyltin dilaurate is used as a catalyst for polyurethane production from isocyanates and diols. It is also useful as a catalyst for transesterification and for the room temperature vulcanization of silicones. It is also used as a stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride,[3] vinyl ester resins, lacquers, and elastomers. It is also added to animal feed to remove cecal worms, roundworms, and tapeworms in chickens and turkeys and to prevent or provide treatment against hexamitosis and coccidiosis.[4]
Dibutyltin dilaurate can be absorbed through the skin. It irritates skin and eyes (causes redness of skin and eyes). It is a neurotoxin. It can cause injuries to the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of poisoning with dibutyltin dilaurate include nausea, headache, muscular weakness and even paralysis.
Dibutyltin dilaurate is very reactive with acids and oxidizers, and it is combustible. It emits irritating and toxic fumes and smoke when burned, which contain tin, tin oxides and carbon oxides. Moreover, its vapor is much denser than air (21.8 times so), so it can spread on floors, resulting in explosive conditions or asphyxiation hazards.