Sn -Tin

Tin (Sn) is a chemical element with atomic number 50 in the periodic table. It is a post-transition metal that is known for its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion from water. 

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Tin is a silvery-white metal with a slight bluish tinge. It is soft and pliable.
• Atomic Mass: Approximately 118.71 atomic mass units (amu).
• Density: About 7.31 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at room temperature.
• Melting Point: Tin melts at about 231.93 degrees Celsius (449.47 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Boiling Point: Its boiling point is about 2602 degrees Celsius (4716 degrees Fahrenheit).

Applications

• Solder: Tin is widely used in solder, particularly in the electronics industry, due to its low melting point and ability to wet and bond to metals. Lead-free solder, consisting of tin and other metals like silver and copper, is increasingly used due to environmental and health concerns with lead.
• Coating and Plating: Tin plating is used to protect other metals from corrosion and wear. Tin cans, for packaging food and beverages, are made from steel coated with a thin layer of tin. This application takes advantage of tin’s resistance to corrosion.
• Alloys: Tin forms several important alloys, including bronze (copper-tin), pewter (tin with small amounts of copper, antimony, and lead), and Babbitt metal (used for bearings due to its low melting point and good fluidity).

Compounds

• Tin(II) Chloride (SnCl2): Used as a reducing agent and in the production of tin-plated steel. Also, it is used in the textile industry for dyeing and printing.
• Tin(IV) Oxide (SnO2): Used in ceramic glazes and as a polishing powder for steel and other metals. SnO2 is also a key ingredient in certain types of glass, where it serves as an opacifier or as a colorant.
• Organotin Compounds: Such as tributyltin (TBT), which has been used as a biocide in antifouling paint for ships, although its use is now restricted due to environmental concerns. Other organotin compounds are used as stabilizers in PVC and as catalysts in organic synthesis.

Basics on Tin-Wikipedia