What is Tin Oxide and What are its Types?
You may be familiar with a lot of chemicals and you may even be using many of those. One such chemical is Tin Oxide. It has two types viz; Tin Monoxide and Tin Dioxide. In this article, we are going to cover the properties, uses and preparation of both these types.
Tin oxide is an inorganic compound composed of tin and oxygen. Tin belongs to the fourteenth group of the modern periodic table. Another name of tin is stannum. Tin generally forms two types of oxides, one is stannous oxide and another one is stannic oxide. In this article, we will discuss the types of tin oxides, SnO2 compound name, SnO2 chemical name, tin oxide formula, and SnO2 name.
Types of Tin Oxide
Tin forms two types of oxides:
Tin monoxide
Tin Dioxide
1. Tin Monoxide -
Tin monoxide is also known as stannous oxide. Tin monoxide is an inorganic compound composed of one tin and one oxygen element. The tin oxide formula is SnO. The oxidation state of the tin in this compound is +2. Therefore it is represented as tin (II) oxide. This compound exists in two forms; a stable form bluish-black in color while another one is the metastable form also known as red form.
Properties of Tin (II) Oxide
Physical Properties of Tin Oxide
Tin (II) oxide exists in the solid- crystalline form.
It appears bluish-black in color.
The melting point of tin (II) oxide is 1976℉.
The density of this is 6.45 g/cm3.
Tin (II) oxide is not soluble in water.
Tin (II) Oxide Structure
The tetragonal PbO layer structure of black -SnO contains four coordinate square pyramidal tin atoms. The rare mineral romarchite is found in nature in this form. The asymmetry is commonly attributed to a sterically active lone pair, but electron density calculations reveal that it is caused by an antibonding interaction between the Sn(5s) and O(2p) orbitals. The lone pair's electrical structure and chemistry define the majority of the material's properties.
In SnO, non-stoichiometry has been observed.
Between 2.5 and 3 eV has been measured as the electronic bandgap.
le size.
Preparation of Tin (II) Oxide
Heating the tin(II) oxide hydrate, SnO x H2O (x1), which forms when a tin(II) salt reacts with an alkali hydroxide such as NaOH, produces blue-black SnO.
The precipitate formed by the action of aqueous ammonia on a tin(II) salt can be gently heated to generate metastable, crimson SnO.
In the laboratory, SnO can be made as a pure material by heating tin(II) oxalate (stannous oxalate) in the absence of air or under a CO2 environment.
This process can also be used to make ferrous oxide and manganese oxide.
SnC2O4·2H2O → SnO + CO2 + CO + 2 H2O
SnO2 is formed when tin(II) oxide burns in the air with a dull green flame.
2 SnO + O2 → 2 SnO2
When heated in an inert environment, disproportionation occurs, resulting in the
formation of Sn metal and Sn3O4, which then reacts to form SnO2 and Sn metal.
4SnO → Sn3O4 + Sn; Sn3O4 → 2SnO2 + Sn
SnO is amphoteric, forming tin(II) salts in strong acids and stannites containing Sn(OH)3 in strong bases. It forms the ionic complexes Sn(OH2)32+ and Sn(OH)(OH2)2+ when dissolved in strong acid solutions, and Sn3(OH)42+ when dissolved in less acid solutions. Anhydrous stannites, such as K2Sn2O3 and K2SnO2, are also known. To reduce the copper (I) to metallic clusters in the preparation of copper ruby glass, SnO is used as a reducing agent.
2. Tin Dioxide-
SnO2's name stands for Tin dioxide. Tin dioxide is also known as stannic oxide. Tin dioxide is an inorganic compound composed of one tin and two oxygen elements. SnO2 chemical name is a stannic oxide or tin (IV) oxide. The tin oxide formula for this oxide is SnO2. The oxidation state of the tin in this compound is +4. Therefore it is represented as tin (IV) oxide. Tin (IV) oxide also occurs in the mineral form in the earth’s crust. The mineral form of tin (IV) oxide is cassiterite. This mineral is one of the important and main ores of tin. SnO2 compound name represents the compounds of tin (IV) oxide which exist in ionic or covalent form.
Properties of Tin (IV) Oxide
Physical Properties of Tin (IV) Oxide
Tin (IV) oxide exists in solid form.
The color of tin (IV) oxide is colorless.
The melting point of tin (IV) oxide is 2966℉.
The density of this is 6.95 g/cm3.
Tin (IV) oxide is not soluble in water.
Tin (IV) Oxide Structure
The rutile structure crystallizes using tin(IV) oxide. As a result, the tin atoms have six coordinates while the oxygen atoms have three. SnO2 is commonly thought of as an n-type semiconductor that lacks oxygen.
Stannic acid is the name given to the hydrous forms of SnO2. These materials appear to be hydrated SnO2 particles with a composition that reflects particle size.
Chemical Properties of Tin (IV) Oxide
Tin (IV) oxide is thermally more stable than the SnO.
Tin (IV) oxide is amphoteric in nature. It reacts with acid as well as with base.
It reacts with strong acids and forms tin (IV) salts as a product.
Tin (IV) oxide acts as a reducing agent as in this compound tin is in its highest oxidation state.
Preparation of Tin (IV) Oxide
The stannic oxide is formed as a product when stannous oxide reacts with the oxygen. This reaction is an oxidation reaction. In this reaction, the oxidation state of tin changes from +2 to +4.
2SnO + O2 → 2SnO2
Tin (II) oxide gives a disproportionation reaction when heated in an inert atmosphere.
4SnO → Sn3O4 + Sn
In the above reaction, the formed Sn3O4 further reacts with the SnO and Sn metal to produce SnO2 and Sn as a final product.
Sn3O4 → SnO2 + Sn.
Uses of Tin Oxides
Tin oxides are used in making ceramic glasses.
Tin oxide is used in the formation of different dyes.
Tin oxides are used in polishing the surfaces.
It is used as a sensor for gas sensing.
Tin oxides are used as a precursor for various chemical reactions.
It is used as an illuminating agent.
Tin oxide nanoparticles have magnetic characteristics that are exploited in magnetic data storage and magnetic resonance imaging; Energy-saving coatings and anti-static coatings are used as catalysts; In solar cells, as electrodes and anti-reflection coatings; Gas sensors, optoelectronic devices, and resistors are all used in the production of gas sensors;
Did You know?
Tin is a rare element found in the earth’s crust.
The main ore of tin is Cassiterite.
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FAQs on Tin Oxide
1. What are the two main types of tin oxide and how do they differ?
Tin forms two primary oxides based on its oxidation state. The main difference lies in the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the tin atom.
- Tin(II) oxide (SnO), also known as stannous oxide, has tin in a +2 oxidation state.
- Tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂), also known as stannic oxide or cassiterite, has tin in a more stable +4 oxidation state.
2. What are the key physical properties of Tin(IV) Oxide (SnO₂)?
Tin(IV) oxide, the most common form, has several distinct physical properties:
- It is a solid at room temperature.
- It is typically a white or colorless powder.
- It has a very high melting point of 1,630°C (2966°F).
- It is insoluble in water.
3. Where is tin oxide used in everyday life and industry?
Tin oxide is a very versatile material with many important applications. It is commonly used as:
- An opacifier in ceramic glazes to create white, opaque finishes.
- A polishing powder for glass, marble, and other stone surfaces.
- A key component in gas sensors, which detect harmful or combustible gases.
- A transparent conductive coating on glass for devices like LCD screens and solar cells.
4. How is Tin(IV) Oxide typically prepared?
One of the most straightforward methods to prepare Tin(IV) Oxide is by reacting tin with oxygen at high temperatures. This is essentially the process of burning tin in the air, which results in the formation of the white powder of SnO₂. It is also found naturally as the mineral cassiterite, which is the main ore of tin.
5. Why is tin oxide described as an amphoteric oxide?
An oxide is called amphoteric if it can react with both acids and bases. Tin oxide exhibits this dual behaviour. It reacts with strong acids to form tin salts and with strong bases to form stannates. This property shows that it doesn't have strictly acidic or basic characteristics, but can act as either depending on the chemical environment.
6. Why does tin form two different oxides (SnO and SnO₂)?
Tin's ability to form two oxides is due to its capacity to exist in two different stable oxidation states: +2 and +4. This is a common feature for elements in Group 14 of the periodic table. The +4 state (in SnO₂) is generally more stable, but the +2 state (in SnO) can also be formed due to a phenomenon known as the inert pair effect, where the outermost 's' electrons are less likely to participate in bonding.
7. How does tin oxide work in a gas sensor?
Tin oxide is a semiconductor, and its electrical resistance changes when it comes into contact with specific gases. In a gas sensor, a thin film of tin oxide is heated. When a target gas like carbon monoxide lands on its surface, it causes a chemical reaction that changes the film's conductivity. This change is measured electronically to detect the presence and concentration of the gas.
8. Is tin oxide safe to use in products like cosmetics?
Yes, when used in small, controlled amounts in cosmetics, tin oxide is generally considered safe for topical application. It is often used as a bulking agent to add volume or as an opacifier to make products less transparent. Regulatory bodies have approved its use in this context. However, like many fine powders, inhaling it can be harmful.
