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Stannous oxide ability to interact with oxygen and other chemical species also makes it a valuable component in certain chemical reactions, such as catalysis or as a precursor in the production of other tin-based compounds.
Stannous oxide, also known chemically as tin(II) oxide and commonly represented by the formula SnO, is an inorganic compound that appears as a blue-black or brownish powder and serves as an important intermediate in various industrial processes.
Stannous oxide is characterized by its unique chemical structure, where tin is in the +2 oxidation state, distinguishing it from other tin oxides such as tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂), where tin exhibits a +4 oxidation state.
CAS Number: 21651-19-4
Molecular Formula: OSn
Molecular Weight: 134.71
EINECS Number: 244-499-5
Synonyms: Tin(II)oxide, Tin monoxide, Tin oxide (SnO), JB2MV9I3LS, TIN(2+) OXIDE, STANNOUS OXIDE [MI], DTXSID2066723, STANNOUS OXIDE [WHO-DD], stannanone, Tin (II) Oxide, TIN PROTOXIDE, STANNOUS MONOXIDE, Tin (II) oxide black, DTXCID901508860, 244-499-5, ec 244-499-5, einecs 244-499-5, stannous oxide, tin oxide (sn2o2), ?(2)-TIN(2+) OXIDANDIIDE, SnO;Tin oxide (SnO);tin(ii);tin(ii)oxide(assn);tinoxide(sn2o2);tinoxide(sno);Anti-SKIL, C-Terminal antibody produced in rabbit;SKIL
Stannous oxide is a compound with the formula SnO.
Stannous oxide is composed of tin and oxygen where tin has the oxidation state of +2.
There are two forms, a stable blue-black form and a metastable red form.
Due to this difference in oxidation state, stannous oxide exhibits distinct physical and chemical properties, including its semiconducting behavior and specific reactivity patterns.
Stannous oxide finds practical applications in several technological fields due to its unique properties.
Stannous oxide is commonly used in the manufacturing of ceramics and glass, where it functions as a pigment or opacifier, imparting desirable color and opacity characteristics.
Additionally, because of its semiconducting properties, it is studied for use in gas sensors, photocatalysts, and electronic devices, where the behavior of tin in the +2 oxidation state affects charge transport and reactivity.
Bluish-black powder; tetragonal crystals; density 6.45 g/cm3; decomposes at 1,080°C; insoluble in water; dissolves in acids to form Sn2+ and in base to form stannite ion, Sn(OH)3–.
Brownish-black powder or black to blue-black crystalline solid.
Blue-black SnO can be produced by heating the tin(II) oxide hydrate, SnO·xH2O (x < 1) precipitated when a tin(II) salt is reacted with an alkali hydroxide such as NaOH.
Metastable, red SnO can be prepared by gentle heating of the precipitate produced by the action of aqueous ammonia on a tin(II) salt.
SnO may be prepared as a pure substance in the laboratory, by controlled heating of tin(II) oxalate (stannous oxalate) in the absence of air or under a CO2 atmosphere.
This method is also applied to the production of ferrous oxide and manganous oxide.
SnC2O4·2H2O → SnO + CO2 + CO + 2 H2O
Tin(II) oxide burns in air with a dim green flame to form SnO2: 2 SnO + O2 → 2 SnO2
When heated in an inert atmosphere initially disproportionation occurs giving Sn metal and Sn3O4 which further reacts to give SnO2 and Sn metal: 4SnO → Sn3O4 + Sn, Sn3O4 → 2SnO2 + Sn
SnO is amphoteric, dissolving in strong acid to give tin(II) salts and in strong base to give stannites containing Sn(OH)3−.
Stannous oxide can be dissolved in strong acid solutions to give the ionic complexes Sn(OH2)32+ and Sn(OH)(OH2)2+, and in less acid solutions to give Sn3(OH)42+.
Note that anhydrous stannites, e.g. K2Sn2O3, K2SnO2 are also known.
SnO is a reducing agent and is thought to reduce copper(I) to metallic clusters in the manufacture of so-called "copper ruby glass".
In terms of physical properties, Stannous oxide has a relatively high melting point of approximately 1080 °C and a density near 6.95 g/cm³, which reflect its stable crystalline structure typically classified under the PbO-type crystal system.
This crystalline structure contributes to its stability and influences its electronic and optical properties, making it useful in certain applications requiring semiconducting materials.
Stannous oxide is insoluble in water and alcohol but shows solubility in acidic solutions, which is relevant for its chemical reactivity and potential use in synthesis or industrial processes.
Stannous oxide, with the chemical formula SnO, is an important tin-based compound that plays a crucial role in both fundamental research and practical industrial applications, largely due to its intermediate oxidation state and the unique properties that arise from the presence of tin in the +2 valence state.
Unlike tin(IV) oxide, stannous oxide exhibits distinct electronic and structural characteristics that make it particularly interesting for material scientists and chemists studying semiconductor behavior and surface chemistry.
Its relatively low band gap and ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions make it a candidate material for optoelectronic devices, sensors, and catalysis.
Melting point: 1080 °C
Density: 6,95 g/cm3
storage temp.: Store at RT.
solubility: insoluble in H2O, ethanol; soluble in acid solutions
form: powder
color: Blue-black
Specific Gravity: 6.95
Water Solubility: Insoluble in water, and alcohol.
Hydrolytic Sensitivity: 4: no reaction with water under neutral conditions
Crystal Structure: PbO type
crystal system: square
Merck: 14,8787
Space group: P4/nmm
Stannous Oxide is a dense, black crystalline powder with no odor and is insoluble in water.
One of the remarkable features of stannous oxide is its ability to undergo redox transformations, switching between the +2 and +4 oxidation states of tin under specific environmental conditions, which is useful in catalytic cycles and chemical sensors that rely on changes in oxidation states to detect gases such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, or volatile organic compounds.
This redox flexibility enhances its application potential in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and energy conversion technologies.
In addition to its functional applications, stannous oxide also serves as a key raw material in the production of specialized ceramics and glass products, where it is used to modify optical properties such as color and opacity.
By incorporating stannous oxide, manufacturers can produce glass with a distinctive blue-black hue or improve the durability and chemical resistance of ceramic coatings.
Stannous oxide is often employed as a reducing agent in various chemical syntheses, facilitating the conversion of other metal oxides or acting as a precursor to tin-based catalysts used in organic transformations.
From a safety perspective, stannous oxide must be handled with care in industrial environments, as fine powders may pose inhalation risks, and its chemical reactivity requires appropriate storage conditions to prevent unwanted reactions, especially exposure to moisture or strong oxidizing agents.
Proper personal protective equipment and ventilation are recommended when working with this material to minimize exposure and ensure safe handling.
In summary, stannous oxide is a versatile tin compound with a well-defined structure and a set of physical and chemical properties that make it valuable in various industrial and technological applications.
Stannous oxide unique position as tin(II) oxide gives it characteristics distinct from other tin oxides, enabling its use in ceramics, electronics, and catalysis, while also necessitating careful handling due to its powder form and chemical activity.
Stannous oxide black crystals with a characteristic odour.
Tin oxide is insoluble in water but soluble in acids and alkalis and slightly soluble in ammonium chloride.
Stannous oxide is incompatible with acids and/or alkalis.
Stannous oxide is a reducing agent.
Unstable in air due to slow oxidation to tin(IV) oxide at 300°C this oxidation proceeds incandescently.
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents reacts with acids and with strong bases.
Black, α-SnO adopts the tetragonal PbO layer structure containing four coordinate square pyramidal tin atoms.
This form is found in nature as the rare mineral romarchite.
The asymmetry is usually simply ascribed to a sterically active lone pair; however, electron density calculations show that the asymmetry is caused by an antibonding interaction of the Sn(5s) and the O(2p) orbitals.
The electronic structure and chemistry of the lone pair determines most of the properties of the material.
Uses Of Stannous oxide:
Stannous oxide is being actively researched as a promising photocatalyst material due to its capability to absorb visible light and promote electron-hole pair generation, which can drive chemical reactions such as the degradation of organic pollutants in water or air purification systems.
This photocatalytic property not only supports efforts toward environmental remediation but also aligns with the global push for sustainable and green technologies by enabling cleaner industrial processes and waste management solutions.
Stannous oxide is a reducing agent; and is used in preparing other tin(II) salts also, it is used to make soft abrasive putty powder.
Stannous oxide is used as reducing agent, soft abrasive, and in preparation of stannous salts.
It is used in the manufacture of copper ruby glass, and for illumination with UV light.
In addition to these emerging technological uses, stannous oxide plays a vital role in traditional metallurgy, where it is employed as a protective coating on metal surfaces to prevent oxidation and corrosion.
Stannous oxide ability to form stable, adherent layers on substrates makes it useful in prolonging the lifespan and maintaining the conductivity of electrical contacts and connectors in various electronic devices.
This property is especially important in harsh operational environments where metal components are exposed to moisture, heat, or chemical agents.
The dominant use of stannous oxide is as a precursor in manufacturing of other, typically divalent, tin compounds or salts.
Stannous oxide may also be employed as a reducing agent and in the creation of ruby glass.
Stannous oxide has a minor use as an esterification catalyst.
Stannous oxide is widely utilized in various industrial sectors due to its unique chemical and physical properties, which make it a valuable component in the manufacture of specialty ceramics and glass products.
In the ceramics industry, it is often added as a pigment or opacifier to impart a distinctive blue-black color to glazes and ceramic bodies, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional qualities of the finished products.
Stannous oxide ability to modify the optical properties of glass and ceramics also makes it essential in the production of decorative glassware and certain types of specialty glass, where controlled opacity and color are desired.
In addition to its role in ceramics and glassmaking, stannous oxide serves as a critical precursor and reducing agent in various chemical syntheses.
Stannous oxide is frequently used to produce other tin compounds, including tin-based catalysts that play a pivotal role in organic chemistry reactions such as polymerization, hydrogenation, and oxidation processes.
Stannous oxide redox-active nature allows it to facilitate these reactions efficiently, making it indispensable in manufacturing processes that require precise control of oxidation states.
Furthermore, stannous oxide is increasingly studied and employed in the field of electronics and materials science, particularly for its semiconducting properties.
Stannous oxide is used in the development of gas sensors that detect environmental pollutants or hazardous gases by exploiting changes in electrical conductivity when exposed to different chemical species.
These sensors are crucial for environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and public health applications, providing real-time data on air quality and toxic gas levels.
In emerging technologies, stannous oxide is being explored as a material for photovoltaic cells and photocatalysts, where its ability to absorb light and facilitate charge transfer can be harnessed to improve energy conversion efficiencies.
Researchers are investigating nano-sized SnO particles and thin films to enhance these effects, aiming to develop more efficient solar cells and environmentally friendly catalysts for pollutant degradation.
Lastly, in the metallurgy and electronics industries, stannous oxide is used as a component in soldering materials and coatings, contributing to improved electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Stannous oxide presence in these materials helps maintain the integrity and longevity of electronic devices, ensuring reliable performance under various operating conditions.
Stannous oxide’s utility extends beyond traditional applications and is increasingly recognized for its potential in advanced materials science and nanotechnology, where its unique chemical composition and crystal structure contribute to enhanced performance in various functional materials.
For example, in the realm of gas sensing technology, stannous oxide-based sensors operate by detecting changes in electrical resistance when exposed to gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen, or volatile organic compounds, making them invaluable for environmental safety monitoring and industrial process control.
These sensors leverage the compound’s semiconducting properties and its ability to interact selectively with different gas molecules, providing high sensitivity and rapid response times critical for real-time detection in complex environments.
Safety Profile Of Stannous oxide:
Stannous oxide, while useful in many industrial and technological applications, poses several potential hazards that must be carefully managed to ensure safe handling and minimize risks to human health and the environment.
One of the primary concerns associated with stannous oxide is its physical form as a fine powder, which can easily become airborne and pose inhalation risks.
Prolonged or repeated inhalation of stannous oxide dust may cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing, and in some cases, may lead to more severe lung conditions if exposure levels are not adequately controlled through proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.
In addition to respiratory risks, skin and eye contact with stannous oxide dust or particles may result in irritation, redness, or discomfort.
Although it is not typically classified as a highly corrosive substance, the abrasive nature of the powder can mechanically irritate mucous membranes and skin surfaces.
Therefore, it is recommended to use appropriate protective gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks when working with this material to prevent direct contact and accidental ingestion.
From a chemical hazard perspective, stannous oxide is moderately reactive and can undergo oxidation upon exposure to air or moisture, which may alter its chemical structure and potentially generate hazardous byproducts.
This reactivity necessitates careful storage in airtight containers under dry conditions to prevent degradation and maintain material stability.
Furthermore, stannous oxide can react with strong acids or oxidizing agents, possibly releasing toxic fumes or heat, which underscores the importance of keeping it away from incompatible substances and using it only within controlled environments.
