Properties and Overview of Tin

Overview:

Tin (Sn) is a chemical element with the symbol Sn, derived from its Latin name "stannum" and atomic number 50. It is a silvery-white metal known for its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. Tin is relatively soft and can be effortlessly polished. It has a melting point of 231.93°C and a boiling point of 2,602°C. Its density is 7.31 g/cm³, making it less dense than other metals like iron or copper. Tin exists in two primary allotropes: white tin (beta-tin), which is the metallic form stable at room temperature, and gray tin (alpha-tin), a non-metallic form that occurs at temperatures below 13.2°C. The transformation from white to gray tin can cause a phenomenon known as "tin pest, " leading to the disintegration of tin objects in cold environments.
Chemically, tin exhibits a valence of either +2 or +4, depending on the compound it is involved in. Tin is resistant to corrosion from water but can be attacked by acids and alkalis. It forms oxides, sulfides, halides, and organotin compounds. The most common oxidation states of tin in its compounds are +2, as in tin(II) chloride (SnCl₂), and +4, as in tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂). Tin(IV) oxide is particularly notable for its stability and use as a precursor in various industrial processes.
From a safety perspective, tin and its compounds are generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. Elemental tin is not known to cause harmful effects, and exposure to tin is usually minimal. However, certain organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), are toxic and can cause environmental harm, mainly marine life. Prolonged exposure to high levels of tin dust or fumes, especially in occupational settings, can cause lung irritation and other respiratory issues.

Production:

Tin is primarily produced from the mineral cassiterite (SnO₂), which is mined and then reduced with carbon in a furnace to obtain the metal. The top tin producers globally include countries like China, Indonesia, Peru, and Bolivia. After extraction, tin is often purified through electrolysis or other refining methods to achieve the desired purity level for various applications.

Applications:

The versatility of tin allows it to be used in a wide range of applications. It is commonly employed in producing tinplate, which involves coating steel with a thin layer of tin to prevent corrosion, a process widely used in the packaging industry, particularly for food and beverage cans. Tin is also a key component in solders, where it is typically alloyed with lead or other metals to create materials that melt at relatively low temperatures, making them ideal for joining electrical and electronic components. Additionally, tin is used in producing float glass, where molten tin provides a smooth surface on which glass is formed. Other applications include using tin in chemicals, such as stabilizers for PVC plastics, and in various alloys like bronze, a combination of tin and copper.

Summary:

Tin's unique combination of physical and chemical properties, along with its relatively low toxicity, makes it an important material across various industries. It contributes significantly to modern manufacturing and technology.

See a comprehensive list of atomic, electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for tin below: