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Stannous octoate, also known as Tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, is an organotin compound commonly used as a catalyst in polymer chemistry, particularly in the production of polyurethanes.
Stannous octoate consists of tin in the +2 oxidation state complexed with 2-ethylhexanoic acid, forming a coordination complex that is effective in promoting urethane-forming reactions between polyols and isocyanates.
Stannous octoate functions as a highly efficient catalyst, primarily because the tin center in the +2 oxidation state can coordinate easily with reactants, facilitating the formation of urethane linkages in polymerization reactions.
CAS Number: 301-10-0
Molecular Formula: C16H30O4Sn
Molecular Weight: 405.12
EINECS Number: 206-108-6
Synonyms: Tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, Tin dioctoate, Tin octoate, Stannous 2-ethylhexanoate, Tin ethylhexanoate, Nuocure 28, Tin(II) bis(2-ethylhexanoate), Tin 2-ethylhexanoate, Stannous 2-ethylhexoate, Tin(II) 2-ethylhexylate, Tin(2+) 2-ethylhexanoate, UNII-519A78R12Y, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid stannous salt, EINECS 206-108-6, NSC 75857, 519A78R12Y, EC 206-108-6, NSC-75857, TIN (II) 3-HEPTANE CARBOXYLATE, STANNOUS 2-ETHYLHEXANOATE (II), STANNOUS 2-ETHYLHEXANOATE [II], Tin (II) 2-Ethylhexanoate (Stannous octoate), 206-108-6, STANNOUS OCTOATE, 301-10-0, Tin bis(2-ethylhexanoate), 2-ethylhexanoate;tin(2+), Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, tin(2+) salt, Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, tin(2+) salt (2:1), 2-Ethylhexanoic acid tin(II) salt, tin(2+) bis(2-ethylhexanoate), Tin di(2-ethylhexanoate), tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate, SCHEMBL15145, tin bis(2-ethyl hexa-noate), SCHEMBL161914, DTXSID1027138, AKOS015909688, AKOS030228479, AKOS032949843, 2-ethyl-hexanoicacitin(2++)salt;STANNOUS 2-ETHYLHEXANOATE;STANNOUS 2-ETHYLHEXOATE;STANNOUS CAPRYLATE;Stannous octanoate;STANNOUS OCTOATE;TIN 2-ETHYL HEXANOATE;TIN 2-ETHYLHEXOATE
Stannous octoate is especially valued in the manufacturing of flexible and rigid polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers, where it significantly speeds up the curing process, allowing manufacturers to optimize production time and improve product consistency.
White or light yellowish brown paste soluble in petroleum ether, insoluble in water low toxicity of Stannous octoate, oral acute poisoning data of rats LD50=3400mg/kg.
Stannous octoate is the octaoate or 2-ethylhexanoate salt of tin.
Stannous octoate and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, it is a clear colorless liquid at room temperature, though often appears yellow due to impurities, likely resulting from oxidation of Sn(II) to Sn(IV).
It is sometimes used as a catalyst for ring-opening polymerization, such as for the production of polylactic acid.
Stannous octoate can also be used in conjunction with a tertiary amine catalyst to achieve an optimum foaming process.
Stannous octoate is most typically used in PU foam production for furniture, bedding and carpet applications.
Stannous octoate is a source of Tin that dissolves in organic solvents as an organometallic compound (also known as metalorganic, organo-inorganic and metallo-organic compounds).
Stannous octoates are carboxylates with many commercial applications.
They are widely used in various catalysts for oxidation, hydrogenation and polymerization and as an adhesion promoter.
It is usually immediately available in most volumes. Ultra-high-purity and high-purity forms may be considered.
Stannous octoate is one of several organo-metallic compounds (also known as metalorganic, organo-inorganic, and metalloorganic compounds) recently sold for uses requiring non-aqueous solubility.
Stannous octoate appears as a clear to yellowish oily liquid and is soluble in organic solvents, which makes it suitable for various industrial processes where homogeneous mixing is essential.
Because of its strong catalytic activity and relatively low toxicity compared to other tin compounds, stannous octoate has become one of the most widely used organotin catalysts.
In addition to polyurethane synthesis, stannous octoate is also used in ring-opening polymerizations, such as the production of polylactic acid (PLA) from lactide, where it helps control molecular weight and polymer structure.
Despite its widespread industrial applications, handling and use of stannous octoate must be done carefully, as it can be toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, especially at higher concentrations or over prolonged exposure periods.
Melting point: < -20 °C
Boiling point: > 200 °C
Density: 1.251 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor pressure: 0.3 Pa at 20 °C
Refractive index: n20/D 1.493 (lit.)
Flash point: > 110 °C
pKa: 5.09 [at 20 °C]
Form: liquid
Specific Gravity: 1.251
Viscosity: 306 mm²/s
Water Solubility: Miscible with water
Hydrolytic Sensitivity: 7 — reacts slowly with moisture/water
Exposure limits: ACGIH: TWA 0.1 mg/m³; STEL 0.2 mg/m³ (Skin)
NIOSH: IDLH 25 mg/m³; TWA 0.1 mg/m³
InChIKey: KSBAEPSJVUENNK-UHFFFAOYSA-L
LogP: 2.64 at 25 °C
Stannous octoate’s role as a catalyst extends into fine-tuning the polymerization reactions, where it not only accelerates the reaction rate but also influences the microstructure of the resulting polymer chains.
This ability to control polymer growth and cross-linking density directly impacts the thermal stability, flexibility, and resistance to chemical degradation of the end products, making it indispensable in industries producing coatings and sealants that must withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Stannous octoate is produced by reacting 2-ethylhexanoic acid with sodium hydroxide to form sodium 2-ethylhexanoate, which then undergoes a complex decomposition reaction with stannous chloride by heating in an inert solvent.
Stannous octoate’s chemical stability under typical processing conditions and its compatibility with a variety of polyols and isocyanates make it a versatile catalyst.
It helps control the molecular weight distribution of polymers and influences the mechanical properties of the final material, such as tensile strength, elasticity, and durability.
Moreover, stannous octoate’s use extends beyond polyurethane chemistry; it is frequently employed in biodegradable polymer synthesis, enhancing environmentally friendly materials development.
While it is less hazardous than some other organotin catalysts, stannous octoate still requires careful handling due to potential health risks.
Exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of aerosols or dust should be avoided to prevent respiratory issues.
Industrial guidelines recommend using personal protective equipment and working in well-ventilated environments when handling this chemical.
Due to its catalytic efficiency and relatively manageable toxicity profile, stannous octoate remains a critical component in many modern polymer manufacturing processes.
In biomedical applications, stannous octoate is widely used to catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide monomers to produce polylactic acid (PLA) and related copolymers.
These biodegradable polymers have gained tremendous interest due to their potential to replace traditional plastics, thereby reducing environmental pollution.
The precise control over polymer molecular weight and stereochemistry afforded by stannous octoate enables manufacturers to tailor the degradation rates and mechanical properties of these biopolymers for uses ranging from surgical implants to drug delivery systems.
Despite its many advantages, stannous octoate’s handling must comply with strict safety standards due to its potential toxicity and environmental impact.
Prolonged exposure can cause sensitization and allergic reactions in some individuals. Furthermore, improper disposal can lead to contamination of water sources because tin compounds can be harmful to aquatic life.
Therefore, industries using stannous octoate implement rigorous waste management practices and strive to minimize emissions through process optimization.
Uses Of Stannous octoate:
Stannous octoate is susceptible to hydrolysis and oxidation and cannot be used in combination polyethers (premixes).
Its catalytic activity is higher than that of dibutyltin dilaurate.
Stannous octoate can be used as a catalyst for polyurethane, mainly in the production of soft block polyether type polyurethane foam, but also as a catalyst for polyurethane coatings, elastomers, room temperature curing silicone rubber, etc.
As it is a divalent tin compound, it may be oxidized to tetravalent tin compound itself after foaming, and it remains in the foam body to play the role of an antioxidant, which stays in the foam after foaming and has no adverse effect on the foam performance.
Stannous octoate is used as a polymerization initiator in polylactic acid production.
It acts as an intermediate as well as a catalyst for urethane foams, lubricants, addition agents and stabilizers for transformer oils.
Stannous octoate is used in the following products: adhesives and sealants, coating products and llers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Other release to the environment of Stannous octoate is likely to occur from: indoor use and outdoor use resulting in inclusion into or onto a materials (e.g. binding agent in paints and coatings or adhesives).
This gel catalyst features a fast gelling reaction, low use level and relatively safe processing.
The important role it plays with regard to polyurethane exible foam is in providing catalytic activity to the isocyanate and polyol reaction.
Release to the environment of Stannous octoate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials, as processing aid, in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and as processing aid.
Other release to the environment of Stannous octoate is likely to occur from: indoor use and outdoor use resulting in inclusion into or onto a materials (e.g. binding agent in paints and coatings or adhesives).
Stannous octoate can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles and machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).
Stannous octoate can be found in products with material based on: plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys) and rubber (e.g. tyres, shoes, toys).
Stannous octoate is used in the following products: polymers, adhesives and sealants, coating products and llers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Stannous octoate has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Stannous octoate is used in the following areas: mining, formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and building & construction work.
Stannous octoate is used for the manufacture of: plastic products.
Other release to the environment of Stannous octoate is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use and indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters).
Stannous octoate is used in the following products: polymers, adhesives and sealants, coating products, llers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and pH regulators and water treatment products.
Stannous octoate has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Release to the environment of Stannous octoate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials, in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid and as processing aid.
Stannous octoate is used in the following products: polymers, adhesives and sealants, coating products, pH regulators and water treatment products and llers, putties, plasters, modelling clay
Stannous octoate is predominantly used as a catalyst in the production of polyurethanes, where it accelerates the chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, enabling manufacturers to efficiently produce flexible foams for furniture and mattresses, rigid foams for insulation, as well as elastomers and coatings that require precise curing control and enhanced durability.
Beyond polyurethane manufacturing, this compound plays a critical role in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers, particularly in catalyzing the ring-opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide to create polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), which are extensively utilized in medical applications such as resorbable sutures, implants, and drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and controlled degradation rates.
In addition, Stannous octoate is employed in various industrial processes where controlled polymerization is essential, including the production of specialty adhesives, sealants, and coatings that benefit from its ability to improve mechanical properties like flexibility, tensile strength, and chemical resistance.
Its catalytic activity also finds use in the preparation of copolymers and block polymers where precise control over molecular weight distribution is necessary to achieve desired physical and chemical characteristics in the final product.
Furthermore, stannous octoate’s effectiveness in catalyzing esterification and transesterification reactions extends its utility into the synthesis of certain plasticizers and lubricants, contributing to improved performance and environmental profiles in these materials.
Due to its broad catalytic versatility, stannous octoate is a valuable component in both large-scale industrial polymer production and specialized applications in the biomedical field, where the need for precise control over polymer properties is paramount.
This versatility, combined with its relatively manageable toxicity compared to other organotin catalysts, underscores why stannous octoate remains widely favored in research and commercial manufacturing sectors alike.
Safety Profile Of Stannous octoate:
Stannous octoate has influence to human health.
Stannous octoate may cause an allergic skin reaction, and serious eye damage.
In addition, it is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, and harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Stannous octoate poses several health hazards that require careful attention during handling, as exposure to this chemical can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, potentially leading to redness, itching, or coughing if inhaled in the form of dust, vapors, or aerosols.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may result in sensitization or allergic reactions, which means that individuals who are repeatedly exposed could develop increased sensitivity or dermatitis over time.
Inhalation of high concentrations can cause more serious respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing or lung inflammation, making adequate ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment essential in workplaces where stannous octoate is present.
Additionally, stannous octoate can be harmful if swallowed, and ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, thus accidental ingestion must be prevented by following strict hygiene and safety protocols.
From an environmental perspective, this compound is considered toxic to aquatic life and can cause long-lasting harmful effects in water environments, so disposal and spill management must be handled carefully to avoid contamination of water bodies.
Regulatory guidelines typically recommend limiting exposure through engineering controls, proper storage, and the use of protective gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection to minimize risk to workers.
