Tetraethyl tin

Synonyms

Stannane, tetraethyl-; Tetraethylstannane; Tetraethyltin; Tin, tetraethyl-; [ChemIDplus] UN2788

Category

Tin Compounds, Organic

Description

Colorless liquid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as catalyst for olefin polymerization and to produce other organotin compounds; [HSDB] Used as biocide, bactericide, fungicide, and insecticide; Also used as a preservative for wood, textiles, paper, and leather; Not registered with the EPA for use as a pesticide in the US; [CAMEO]

Comments

May ignite in air; A skin and eye irritant--may cause burns; A potent neurotoxin; Also toxic to the liver and immune system; Oral LD50 (rat) = 9-16 mg/kg; [HSDB] Tendency to ignite on reaction with air; Causes swelling of brain and spinal cord; [CAMEO] An irritant; Can be absorbed through skin; [MSDSonline] See "ORGANOMETALS." See "Tin, organic compounds."

Biomedical References

Yes

0.1 mg/m3, as Sn

0.2 mg/m3, as Sn

0.1 mg/m3, as Sn

0.1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as Sn

25 mg/m3, as Sn

1.2 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 114 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Organotin compound, liquid, n.o.s." Organic tin compounds have a "skin" designation and are classified as "A4" (Not classifiable as human carcinogen); [ACGIH]

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, acute toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)