Tin(II) hydroxide explained

Tin(II) hydroxide, Sn(OH)₂, also known as stannous hydroxide, is an inorganic compound tin(II). The only related material for which definitive information is available is the oxy hydroxide Sn₆O₄(OH)₄, but other related materials are claimed. They are all white solids that are insoluble in water.

Preparation and structure

Crystals of Sn₆O₄(OH)₄ has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. This cluster is obtained from solution of basic solutions of tin(II). The compound consists of an octahedron of Sn centers, each face of which is capped by an oxide or a hydroxide. The structure is reminiscent of the Mo₆S₈ subunit of the Chevrel phases..^[1] The structure of pure Sn(OH)₂ is not known.

Sn(OH)₂ has been claimed to arise from the reaction of (CH₃)₃SnOH with SnCl₂ in an aprotic solvent:

2 Me₃SnOH + SnCl₂ → Sn(OH)₂ + 2 Me₃SnClNo crystallographic characterization is available on this material.

Reactions

Stannous hydroxide is easily oxidized to stannic oxide (SnO₂) by air.

Notes and References

1. Structure of Tin(II) "Hydroxide" and Lead(II) "Hydroxide. R. A. Howie. W. Moser. Nature. 219. 5152. 372–373. 1968. 10.1038/219372a0. 1968Natur.219..372H. 45007541.