Tetrabutyltin is the
organotin compound with the
molecular formula
In chemistry, a chemical formula is a way of presenting information about the chemical proportions of atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound or molecule, using chemical element symbols, numbers, and sometimes also other symbols, ...
(C
4H
9)
4Sn or SnBu
4. Sometimes abbreviated TTBT, it is a colorless, lipophilic oil.
Tetrabutyltin is a precursor to
tributyltin
Tributyltin (TBT) is an umbrella term for a class of organotin compounds which contain the (C4H9)3 Sn group, with a prominent example being tributyltin oxide. For 40 years TBT was used as a biocide in anti-fouling paint, commonly known as bo ...
and dibutyltin compounds. By the
redistribution reaction with
tin(IV) chloride
Tin(IV) chloride, also known as tin tetrachloride or stannic chloride, is an inorganic compound with the formula Sn Cl4. It is a colorless hygroscopic liquid, which fumes on contact with air. It is used as a precursor to other tin compounds. It w ...
it forms
tributyltin chloride
Tributyltin chloride is an organotin compound with the formula ( C4H9)3SnCl. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents.
Preparation and reactions
The compound is prepared by a redistribution reaction by combining stannic ch ...
and dibutyltin chloride. These compounds are starting materials for a wide range of organotin compounds used as stabilizers for
PVC and as
biocides
A biocide is defined in the European legislation as a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses a sli ...
,
fungicides
Fungicides are biocidal chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores. A fungistatic inhibits their growth. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality ...
, wood preservatives, and (historically) marine anti-
biofouling
Biofouling or biological fouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals where it is not wanted on surfaces such as ship and submarine hulls, devices such as water inlets, pipework, grates, ponds, and rivers that ...
agents.
References
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Organotin compounds
Tin(IV) compounds
Butyl compounds