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Identify-The Structure of SnCl2

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What is Tin (II) chloride – SnCl2 ?

In solid form, SnCl2 is a crystalline mass whose chemical name is Tin (II) chloride. Some other names of Tin (II) chloride are Tin dichloride, or Dichlorotin, or Tin Proto Chloride, or Stannous chloride. It has a lone pair of electrons where the molecule in the gaseous phase is bent.


It appears as a white crystalline solid which is odourless. It is toxic when swallowed and irritates eyes and skin when it comes to contact. It is widely used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, as a tanning agent, and in the production of dyes.


In its solid form, SnCl2 is a crystalline mass which has a chemical formula whose name is Tin (II) Chloride. The other names of Tin (II) Chloride are Tin dichloride, Tin Protochloride, Dichlorotin or Stannous chloride. It has a lone pair of electrons where the molecule is bent in its gaseous phase. It appears as solid which is white crystalline and is odourless. If swallowed,  it is very toxic and when comes in contact with it, it can irritate the eyes and skin of the human body. It is also used widely in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and can be used as a tanning agent and also in the production of dyes. 


Properties of Tin (II) chloride – SnCl₂

Chemical Formula- SnCl2

Chemical name is Tin (II) chloride

The molecular weight of SnCl2

189.60 g/mol (anhydrous)

The density of Tin (II) chloride

3.95 g/cm3 (anhydrous)

The boiling point of Tin (II) chloride

623 °C

The melting point of Tin (II) chloride

247 °C


  • The chemical name of SnCl2is Tin (II) Chloride.

  • The molecular weight of Tin (II) Chloride is 189.60 g/mol which is anhydrous. 

  • The density of Tin (II) Chloride is 3.95 g/cm3 which is anhydrous.  

  • The boiling point of Tin (II) Chloride is 623 °C. 

  • The melting point of Tin (II) Chloride is 247 °C. 


The Structure of Tin (II) Chloride SnCl2

The structure of SnCl2 is a trigonal pyramidal shape or we can say that V shape is due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons based on VSEPR theory.


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The exact mass and the mono-isotopic mass of Tin dichloride is 189.84 g/mol. The number of hydrogen bond acceptors and the number of hydrogen bond donors equals zero. This compound is canonicalized and has one covalently bonded unit only.


VSEPR Theory

In chemistry, VSEPR Theory is used to predict the shape of the molecules from the electron pairs that surround the central atoms of the molecule. This theory is based on the assumption that the molecule will take a shape such that electronic repulsion in the valence shell of that atom is minimised.


The VSEPR theory is based on the principle that there is a repulsion between the pairs of valence electrons in all atoms. The arrangement of atoms will always be in such a manner in which this electron pair repulsion is minimalized. With the help of this arrangement of the atom, we determine the geometry of the resulting molecule.


Trigonal Planar Shape of Molecule

  • In the Trigonal Planar Shape of the molecule, we find three molecules attached to a central atom.

  • Atoms are arranged in such a manner that repulsion between the electrons can be minimised towards the corners of an equilateral triangle.


For Example SnCl2


How VSEPR Theory Predicts the Shapes of Molecules

The strength of the repulsion between a lone pair and a bond pair of electrons lies in between the repulsion between two lone pairs and between two bond pairs. 


  1. Total number of electron pairs around the central atom = 1/2  x (number of valence electrons of central atom + number of atoms linked to central atom by single bonds)

  • For negative ions, add the number of electrons equal to the units of negative charge on the ions to the valence electrons of the central atom.

  • For positive ions, subtract the number of electrons equal to the units of positive charge on the ion from the valence electrons of the central atom.

  1. The number of Bond pairs = Total number of atoms linked to the central atom by single bonds.

  2. So, the number of lone pairs in a molecule = Total number of electrons – Number of shared pair

  3. The electron pairs around the central atom repel each other and move so far apart from each other that there are no greater repulsions between them. As a result of this, the molecule has minimum energy and maximum stability.


Uses of SnCl2

  • Tin (II) chloride is used as a strong reducing agent.

  • Used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

  • Used in removing ink stains.

  • Used as an additive in lubricating oils.

  • Used as a catalyst.

  • Used to manufacture colour pigments.

  • Used in tin-plating of steel.

  • Used in radionuclide angiography.

  • Used as a mordant in textile dyeing.

  • Used to produce plastic polylactic acid.

  • Tin (II) Chloride is being used as a strong reducing agent. 

  • Tin (II) Chloride is also being used to manufacture pharmaceutical products. 

  • Tin (II) Chloride is used in removing the I stains.

  • Tin (II) Chloride is also being used as an additive in lubricating the oils. 

  • Tin (II) Chloride is also used as a catalyst and can be used to manufacture colour pigments. 

  • Tin (II) Chloride can be used in tin plating steel.

  • Tin (II) Chloride is also used in radionuclide angiography.  

  • Tin (II) Chloride is used as a mordant in textile dyeing

  • Tin (II) Chloride is also being used in the production of the plastic polylactic acid.


Production of Tin (II) Chloride

When we treat dry hydrogen chloride gas with tin metal we obtain Anhydrous Dichlorotin. The dihydrate is prepaid by using hydrochloric acid (HCl):


Sn(s) + 2HCL(aq) ⟶ SnCl2 + H2(g)


The dihydrate is dehydrated to anhydrous by treating with acetic anhydride.


Health Hazards of Tin (II) Chloride (SnCl2 )

Tin (II) Chloride is a non-combustible compound but it is toxic and corrosive as well. By inhaling it, swallowing it, or even if this compound comes in contact with the skin of the human body, it can cause severe injuries and can even lead to death. If it is in molten form, it may even result in severe burning on the skin and in the eyes of the human body. On heating Tin (II) Chloride, it liberates corrosive, harmful, irritating and toxic games. 


Health Hazards

There are harmful effects of SnCl2 on our health. Tin Proto Chloride is toxic and corrosive in nature but it is a non-combustible compound. Inhaling, swallowing, or skin contact with this compound can cause severe injuries or lead to death. In its molten form, it may result in severe burns on the skin and in the eyes. When heated, it liberates corrosive, irritating, and toxic gases.


Did You Know?

  • Tin (II) chloride is made when tin dissolves in hydrochloric acid.

  • SnCl2 is a better reducing agent than HgCl2

  • Nowadays many toothpaste brands have been adding SnCl2 as protection against enamel erosion to their formula.

  • SnCl2 also reduces quinones to hydroquinones.

  • SnCl2 molecule is angular as Sn is sp2 hybridised with a bond angle of 120°

FAQs on Identify-The Structure of SnCl2

1. Does tin dissolve in hydrochloric acid?

Metallic tin is brittle and abrasive. It dissolves gradually in dilute non-oxidizing acids, or in hot concentrated HCl more readily. The meta stannic acid, H2SnO3, is formed when it interacts with HNO3, which is an insoluble white material in alkali or acids.

2. Is SnCl4 aqueous?

Anhydrous Stannic chloride is a colourless fuming liquid with a pungent scent. With heat evolution, it is soluble in cold water and decomposed by hot water to form hydrochloric acid. Tin Chloride (SnCl4) is a food-borne antioxidant.

3. Is tin a metal?

Tin is a chemical element that belongs to the family of carbon in the group of periodic tables. Tin is a smooth metal that is silvery-white in colour with a bluish tinge. It is an alloy of copper that was common in the ancient period to bronze.

4. What is tin chloride made up of ?

For producing the tin cans, a solution of Tin (II) Chloride, for tin plating pipes, which contains a very small amount of hydrochloric acid is being used. Through the electrolysis, tin metal is being formed at the cathode and along with it, sn electric potential is also applied.