The physical properties of organic tin compounds, including odour and appearance, will depend on the specific compound. Triphenyltin compounds tend to be colourless solids with low vapour pressures, and have low solubility in water. Tributylitin oxide is a colourless liquid that is slightly soluble in water. Dibutyltin chloride is a white solid that is soluble in hot water.
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Common name: Organic tin, tin, Sn
Use
The various organic tin compounds are used as stabilisers in plastics, including PVC water pipes. It is added to polyurethane foams and silicones to increase their strength.
Releases to the environment
Organic tin compounds, can be found in the nature, near places where they are naturally present in the rocks, but most releases are due to their use in industries and industrial products. In the past, one of the main sources of release was due to the use in paints for ships and boats.
Impacts on the environment and human health
Organic tin is toxic and can lead to harmful health effects for humans. In the natural environment, most exposure to organic tins will be very low concentrations and therefore it is unlikely that significant health effects will arise.
International actions
Organic tins are listed in the in the OSPAR Convention for protection of the Marine Environment. Furthermore organic tin is on the EU-Commissions EPER list and listed in the PRTR Protocol under the Århus Convention.
CAS NO: 56-35-9 (tributyltin), 683-18-1 (dibutyltin chloride), 639-58-7 ( triphenyltin chloride).