Stannous octoate: Application and Chemical synthesis

Figure 1 Appearance of stannous octoate.

Stannous octoate can be synthesized by single step according to the previous work [1].

Many tin carboxylates have been synthesized in recent years and have been finding many uses, for example, as additives, reactants, and catalysts for a wide variety of products. For example, tin (II) carboxylates have been used widely as a synthesis catalyst for flexible polyurethane systems, like slab stock polyether-based flexible foams, such as mattresses, and molded flexible foam s for the automobiles, furniture, and carpeting markets. In particular, tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (stannous 2-ethylhexanoate), tin (II) octoate (stannous octoate), and other tin (II) carboxylate salts are the standard catalysts for polyurethane systems. A survey of the catalysts normally used in industrial polyurethane chemistry and the mechanism on which their action is based can be found in Duda’s research [2]. Such metal catalysts are highly active for urethane formation, increasing the rate of reaction of the isocyanate group with the hydroxyl group of the polyether or polyester. Stannous octoate have also been used to prepare a tin (IV) oxide catalyst for converting carbon monoxide and oxygen to carbon dioxide [3]. In addition, stannous octoate is known to be used to treat cracking catalysts conventionally employed in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons for the production of gasoline, motor fuel, blending components, and light distillates.

Toxicity

Stannous octoate has influence to human health. It may cause an allergic skin reaction, and serious eye damage. In addition, it is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, and harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

[2]Duda et al. Polymerizations of epsilon-caprolactone and L,L-dilactide initiated with stannous octoate and stannous butoxide - A comparison. Mar 2000, Macromolecular Symposia, 153: 41-53.

[3]Kolts. Process for Preparation of Tin Dioxide Containing Catalyst Composition, Pat. No. 5,071,818. issued Dec. 10, 1991.