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Chemical Name: Tin Tetrachloride
Synonyms: Stannic chloride, Tin(IV) chloride
CAS Number: 7646-78-8
Molecular Formula: SnCl4
Uses: Often shows up in catalyst synthesis, glass processing, textile dyeing, and as an intermediate for other tin compounds.
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency telephone, manufacturing site address, supplier details all appear on the label and shipping paperwork.
Classification: Corrosive to metals, skin, and eyes; hazardous to aquatic life.
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe burns to skin and eyes, harmful if inhaled, toxic by ingestion, reacts with water to release hydrogen chloride gas.
Pictograms: Corrosive symbol (test tube over hand and surface), Environmental hazard (dead tree and fish).
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gear. Work in well-ventilated space or under fume hood. Keep away from water and moisture. Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
Chemical: Tin Tetrachloride
Chemical Purity: 98-100%
Impurities: Traces of hydrochloric acid may arise from hydrolysis. No significant stabilizing additives typically present.
Ingredient Synonyms: Stannic chloride
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek immediate medical help. If breathing stops, use artificial respiration.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin thoroughly with running water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with lots of water, lifting eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Get urgent medical care.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Give water if person is alert. Seek immediate medical help.
Key Symptoms: Severe irritation, burns, pain, possible respiratory distress.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam. Avoid water since this compound reacts with water.
Fire Hazards: Not flammable, but reacts with water to release toxic, corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full-body chemical protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, tin oxides.
Spill Clean-Up: Ventilate area. Avoid any contact with water during clean-up. Use inert absorbent like dry sand, scoop into secure chemical waste containers.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, protective suit, and respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Keep material out of drains, soil, and water sources. Contact local environmental authorities for large releases.
Decontamination: Neutralize residues with sodium bicarbonate, carefully diluted, and collect for disposal.
Handling Practices: Work in fume hood or extremely well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing vapors. Handle with non-porous gloves and eye protection. Never add water.
Storage Requirements: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals like water, alcohols, and bases. Use corrosion-resistant containers.
Incompatibilities: Reacts violently with water, strong bases, and most organic materials.
Exposure Limits: Occupational limits tend to follow standards for hydrogen chloride gas, but keep exposures as low as possible.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation, general air dilution.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, nitrile), tight-fitting goggles, face shield, flame-resistant lab coat, chemical-resistant apron. Use positive-pressure or air-purifying respirator if airborne concentrations grow.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after use. No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, fuming liquid
Odor: Sharp, pungent
Melting Point: -33°C
Boiling Point: 114°C
Density: 2.23 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Reacts vigorously with water; soluble in ether, chloroform.
Vapor Pressure: 15 mm Hg at 20°C
pH: Acidic on hydrolysis
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, air-free conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Water, strong bases, organics, alcohols, ammonia, oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride gas, tin oxides during heating or in contact with moisture.
Polymerization: Does not polymerize.
Reactivity: Hydrolyzes readily, heat and moisture speed up decomposition.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact.
Acute Effects: Severe irritation of respiratory tract, burns, coughing, shortness of breath. Painful, corrosive injury to skin and eyes.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect lung function, cause chronic bronchitis.
LD50/LC50 Data: Oral-rat LD50: 750 mg/kg. Inhalation can cause acute pulmonary edema.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by major agencies.
Other Health Hazards: Immediate medical attention critical after contact.
Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms.
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrolyzes quickly; forms hydrochloric acid and tin (IV) oxychloride, both toxic to wildlife.
Mobility in Soil: Migrates if spilled, poison risk for plants and soil life.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to build up in living organisms, still causes acute harm.
Waste Disposal: Must be treated as hazardous chemical waste. Use licensed hazardous waste disposer. Neutralize only under expert supervision.
Contaminated Packaging: Containers require triple rinsing, then proper hazardous waste labeling before disposal.
Do Not Pour: Never down drains, never dilute with water, and never dispose with regular trash.
UN Number: 1827
UN Proper Shipping Name: Tin Tetrachloride, Anhydrous
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive Substances)
Packing Group: I (highest hazard category)
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Secure packaging, emergency response instructions accompany shipment, check local and country-specific requirements.
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Covered under OSHA hazardous chemical rule, included in the US EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory, subject to SARA Title III (EPCRA) reporting for large quantities. Listed in European REACH and CLP regulations.
Workplace Labeling: Requires clear hazard and precautionary label information, in line with GHS.
Other Regulations: Check worker exposure limits and environmental emissions provisions under your country or region’s chemical safety laws.
