Tetrabutyltin is the

organotin Organotin chemistry is the scientific study of the synthesis and properties of organotin compounds or stannanes, which are organometallic compounds containing tin–carbon bonds. The first organotin compound was diethyltin diiodide (), discove ...

compound with the

molecular formula A chemical formula is a way of presenting information about the chemical proportions of atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound or molecule, using chemical element symbols, numbers, and sometimes also other symbols, such as paren ...

or , where Bu is

butyl In organic chemistry, butyl is a four-carbon alkyl radical or substituent group with general chemical formula , derived from either of the two isomers (''n''-butane and isobutane) of butane. The isomer ''n''-butane can connect in two ways, giv ...

. Sometimes abbreviated TTBT, it is a colorless, lipophilic oil. Tetrabutyltin is a precursor to

tributyltin Tributyltin (TBT) is an umbrella term for a class of organotin compounds which contain the group, with a prominent example being tributyltin oxide. For 40 years TBT was used as a biocide in anti-fouling paint, commonly known as bottom paint, ...

and dibutyltin compounds. By the

redistribution reaction In chemistry, redistribution usually refers to the exchange of anionic ligands bonded to metal and metalloid centers. The conversion does not involve redox Redox ( , , reduction–oxidation or oxidation–reduction) is a type of chemical ...

with

tin(IV) chloride Tin(IV) chloride, also known as tin tetrachloride or stannic chloride, is an inorganic compound of tin and chlorine with the formula SnCl4. It is a colorless hygroscopic liquid, which fumes on contact with air. It is used as a precursor to other ...

it forms

tributyltin chloride Tributyltin chloride is an organotin compound with the formula ( C4H9)3SnCl. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. Preparation and reactions The compound is prepared by a redistribution reaction by combining stannic chlo ...

and dibutyltin chloride. These compounds are starting materials for a wide range of organotin compounds used as stabilizers for

PVC Polyvinyl chloride (alternatively: poly(vinyl chloride), colloquial: vinyl or polyvinyl; abbreviated: PVC) is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic (after polyethylene and polypropylene). About 40 million tons o ...

and as

biocides A biocide is defined in the European legislation as a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism. The US United States Environmental Protection Agency, En ...

fungicides Fungicides are pesticides used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in losses of yield and quality. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals, ...

, wood preservatives, and (historically) marine anti-

biofouling Biofouling or biological fouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals where it is not wanted on surfaces such as ship and submarine hulls, devices such as water inlets, pipework, grates, ponds, and rivers that ...

agents.

References

{{Reflist Organotin compounds Tin(IV) compounds Butyl compounds