tin iv chloride pentahydrate is one of the most commonly used compounds in the laboratory due to its conductive properties. It can be obtained by reacting tin metal with chlorine gas in the Friedel-Crafts reaction. The resulting compound has a pungent odor and is a white solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in organic solvents and can be combined with hexachlorostannic acid to form organotin compounds. It is also a precursor to tin nitrates.
It is a hazardous chemical that must be stored in air tight containers to prevent it from reacting with moisture in the air and becoming anhydrous. It is very toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. It is also corrosive and can cause a chemical burn. It is also a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize other metals. It can be used as a Lewis acid catalyst to acetylate thiophene, although aluminum chloride is usually preferred.
The crystal structure of tin(IV) chloride octahydrate has been solved using single-crystal X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling. The tin(IV) chloride molecule is built up of SnCl4(H2O)2 octahedra with point group symmetry 2. Every oxygen atom in the first coordination sphere forms two hydrogen bonds towards water molecules, while every chlorine atom forms four hydrogen bonds toward water molecules of the lattice.
It is possible to buy tin iv chloride pentahydrate online from companies that specialize in the sale of chemicals. It is important to choose a company that has a good track record of providing quality products and safe handling instructions. The customer should also check that the product comes with all necessary paperwork and labels required by law to ensure it is transported safely.