What is "tetrabutyltin"

n. (context organic compound English) A stable organotin compound, a combustible, colourless liquid at room temperature, that is the starting material for tributyltin and dibutyltin.

Tetrabutyltin (also tetra-n-butyltin and tetra-n-butylstannane) is a stable organotin compound and combustible, colourless liquid at room temperature. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It has the molecular formula CHSn. Sometimes the abbreviation SnBu and TTBT are used.

Tetrabutyltin is the starting material of the tributyltin and dibutyltin compounds. It is produced by the reaction of tin(IV) chloride with 1-chlorobutane. This reaction involves either the Grignard reaction, the Wurtz reaction, or butyl aluminium compounds. Pure SnBu can be mixed with tin(IV) chloride to form tributyltin chloride and dibutyltin chloride. These tin compounds are starting materials for a wide range of organotin compounds used as stabilizers for PVC, biocides, fungicides, and anti- biofouling agents.