What is Tin(II) chloride?
[[File:Tin(II) chloride.jpg|thumb|Tin(II) chloride]] '''Tin(II) chloride''', also known as '''stannous chloride''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is SnCl<sub>2</sub>. It has [[tin]] and [[chloride]] [[ion]]s in it. The tin is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. == Properties == It is a colorless [[crystalline]] solid. It is a [[reducing agent]]. It is poisonous to [[mollusk]]s like [[clam]]s and [[oyster]]s. It reacts with water to make [[tin(II) oxide]] hydrate, which is white, and hydrochloric acid. That is why tin(II) chloride is normally dissolved in [[hydrochloric acid]]. It reacts with oxygen in the air to make [[tin(IV) chloride]] and [[tin(IV) oxide]]. It reacts with [[silver]] and [[gold]] compounds to make silver and gold metal. It also reacts with [[ferric]] compounds to make [[ferrous]] compounds. It reacts with [[base (chemistry)|bases]] to make tin(II) oxide hydrate, which is white; if more base is added, the tin(II) oxide hydrate dissolves to make a clear solution again. == Preparation == It is made when [[tin]] [[chemical reaction|reacts]] with [[hydrochloric acid]]. == Uses == It is used to [[electroplate]] tin on steel. It is used in the coloring of [[textile]]s. It is used to make silvered mirrors. A certain plastic uses it as a [[catalyst]]. It was used as a test for mercury(II) ions. If it is added to a colorless solution of mercury(II), a white solid of mercury(I) would form. If more is added, a black solid of [[mercury (element)|mercury]] metal would be made. It turns bright purple in a solution that has gold ions in it. It is used in [[organic chemistry]] as a reducing agent. == Related pages == *[[Tin(II) fluoride]] *[[Tin(II) bromide]] *[[Tin(II) sulfate]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]] [[Category:Tin compounds]]