Material Safety Data Sheet: Stannic Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Stannic Chloride
Synonyms: Tin(IV) chloride, Tin tetrachloride
Chemical Formula: SnCl₄
Molecular Weight: 260.52 g/mol
CAS Number: 7646-78-8
Manufacturer: Refer to supplied safety contact details
Intended Use: Laboratory reagent, catalyst, dyeing, chemical synthesis

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to eyes and skin, causes severe burns, hazardous if inhaled or swallowed
Hazard Statements: May cause severe respiratory irritation, corrosive to metals, produces toxic hydrogen chloride fumes on contact with water, can provoke permanent eye damage
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, keep away from water, ensure good ventilation, use only with appropriate protective gear
Pictograms: GHS05 (corrosion), GHS07 (irritant), GHS06 (toxic)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Stannic Chloride
Common Name: Tin(IV) chloride
Concentration: Pure compound, 99-100%
CAS Registry Number: 7646-78-8
Other Components: No stabilizers or additives reported.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person from the hazardous environment to fresh air, seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms might include coughing, breathing difficulty, sore throat. Oxygen or artificial respiration may help if breathing becomes difficult.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with large volumes of water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical assistance.
Eye Contact: Rinse the eyes with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes, lifting eyelids periodically. Medical attention must be prompt to reduce chance of permanent injury.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly and get medical attention as quickly as possible. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Notes for Medical Providers: Treat symptoms. Gastric lavage may be necessary in severe cases. Supportive treatment such as management of chemical burns and respiratory distress is key.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam for surrounding fire. Water is generally not effective and may intensify risk by releasing toxic fumes.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, tin oxides.
Specific Hazards: Reacts fiercely with water, emitting corrosive gases; containers can burst from heat.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and boots.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Stay upwind, use water spray only to cool containers, do not direct water onto the material itself due to violent reaction potential.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, restrict access, ventilate area, wear splash-proof chemical goggles, face shield, acid resistant gloves, and protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Keep from entering drains or waterways; notify authorities if significant spill threatens the environment.
Methods for Containment: Contain spill using inert absorbent such as sand or earth; do not use combustible materials.
Clean-Up Methods: Slowly and carefully collect waste with non-reactive tools wearing appropriate PPE, transfer to labeled chemical waste container for disposal. Wash spill site with water and detergent only after complete removal of product. Use respirators as required.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Only experts should manage Stannic Chloride. Work in well-ventilated fume hoods. Always use chemical resistant gloves, acid-proof aprons, and face protection. Carefully avoid inhalation or direct skin/eye contact.
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly sealed in original or compatible corrosion-resistant containers, protected from moisture and physical impacts. Store in a cool, well-ventilated, dry area away from incompatible substances such as water, strong bases, ammonia, metals, and oxidizing agents.
Storage Class: Corrosive solid/liquid, class 8
Incompatibilities: Avoid exposure to water, heat, organic material.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL established, ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ (as tin, eight-hour TWA)
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof local exhaust and general ventilation, eye wash and safety showers recommended nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl, neoprene, nitrile), safety goggles, full-face shield, splash apron, chemical-resistant boots, impervious clothing, respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved full-face acid gas respirator or supplied air respirator if exposure risk exists).
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing immediately, do not eat/drink/smoke during use.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, fuming liquid
Odor: Sharp, choking, pungent
Boiling Point: 114°C
Melting Point: −33°C
Solubility: Reacts exothermically with water; soluble in benzene, chloroform, carbon disulfide
Density: 2.226 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: 20 mm Hg at 25°C
pH: Not applicable (decomposes in water)
Evaporation Rate: Not established
Flammability: Not flammable, reacts violently with water
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Viscosity: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers under dry, cool conditions
Reactivity: Readily hydrolyzes in moist air generating hydrogen chloride and forming a solid mass of hydrated tin oxide
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with water causes violent reaction, liberating HCl fumes
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme heat, contact with incompatible materials
Incompatibilities: Water, alcohols, alkalis, metals, oxidizers, organic matter
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride, tin oxides

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion
Acute Effects: Severe burns, respiratory distress, possible pulmonary edema, nausea, vomiting
Chronic Effects: May damage mucous membranes, lungs with repeated exposure; sensitization possible
LD₅₀/LC₅₀: Oral LD₅₀ (rat) – 750 mg/kg; Inhalation and dermal toxicity data insufficient, strong corrosivity indicates significant hazard
Symptoms: Coughing, choking, dizziness, chest pain, dermatitis, eye redness/pain, abdominal pain
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Effects: Not enough data

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; acute hazard to fish and algae
Environmental Fate: Hydrolyzes rapidly in moist air and water, forms insoluble tin compounds, releases acidic solutions
Mobility in Soil: Hydrolysis products may leach but most remains as solid residue
Persistence and Degradability: No potential for bioaccumulation; decomposes in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low
Other Effects: Acidifies water, harmful to aquatic plants and animals with direct exposure. Environmental release should be minimized.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Do not dispose into sewers or regular trash. Incinerate or neutralize in controlled, permitted facilities. Neutralization produces hydrochloric acid, so follow legal operational requirements.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse drums or bottles with caustic soda, then send to a licensed reconditioner or dispose of in accordance with hazardous waste protocols.

Transport Information

UN Number: 1827
Proper Shipping Name: Stannic chloride
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Corrosive
Special Transport Precautions: Handle only by trained staff, ensure containers are undamaged during movement, avoid exposure to water or moisture, do not stack above recommended height, provide segregation from food, water, reactive substances.

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
OSHA Hazard Classification: Corrosive, toxic
SARA Title III: Section 302: No. Section 313: Yes (reportable chemical)
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH Status: Registered
Other Requirements: Subject to workplace hazardous materials regulations globally. Always consult local rules for specific limits and restrictions including occupational exposure, emissions and waste handling.