Tin(II) oxide

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Tin(II) oxide
IUPAC name	tin(II) oxide
Other names	stannous oxide
Identifiers
CAS number	[21651-19-4]
Properties
Molecular formula	SnO
Molar mass	134.709
Appearance	black powder
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Tin(II) oxide (stannous oxide) is one of two oxides of tin that are stable at room temperature in air. Stannous Oxide is a black powder, it may be prepared as a pure substance by controlled heating of Stannous Oxalate in the absence of air. The dominant use of Stannous Oxide is as a precursor in manufacturing of other, typically divalent, tin compounds or salts. Stannous Oxide also may be employed as a reducing agent and in the creation of ruby glass. It has a minor use as an esterfication catalyst.

SnO adopts the tetragonal litharge structure with a stereochemically active Sn(II) lone pair directed between the layers. The electronic band gap has been measured between 2.5eV and 3eV.

A more common oxide is Tin(IV) oxide (tin dioxide), which forms the mineral cassiterite. SnO2 Tin(IV)Oxide is a white powder. Tin (IV) oxide (Stannic Oxide) readily forms from Stannous Oxide when the latter is heated in air. Conversely, when Stannous Oxide is heated under an inert atmosphere disproportionation occurs with Tin metal and Stannic Oxide being formed in equimolar proportions.