Tetrabutyltin

Tetrabutyltin (also tetra-n-butyltin and tetra-n-butylstannane) is a stable organotin compound and combustible, colourless liquid at room temperature. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It has the molecular formula C16H36Sn. Sometimes the abbreviation SnBu4 and TTBT are used.

Tetrabutyltin is the starting material of the tributyltin and dibutyltin compounds. It is produced by the reaction of tin(IV) chloride with butyl chloride. This reaction involves either the Grignard reaction, the Wurtz reaction, or butyl aluminium compounds. Pure SnBu4 can be mixed with tin(IV) chloride to form tributyltin chloride and dibutyltin chloride. These tin compounds are starting materials for a wide range of organotin compounds used as stabilizers for PVC, biocides, fungicides, and anti-biofouling agents.