a compound SnCl2 obtained by the action of chlorine, hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid on tin either as an anhydrous solid or a crystalline dihydrate and used chiefly in tinning and as a reducing agent and catalyst
Tin forms two series of compounds: stannous, in which tin is in the +2 oxidation state, and stannic, in which it is in the +4 state. Some of the more commercially important stannous compounds are stannous chloride, SnCl2, used in tin galvanizing and as a reducing agent in the manufacture of polymers and dyes; stannous oxide, SnO, employed in making tin salts for chemical reagents and for plating; and stannous fluoride, SnF2, an active ingredient in toothpastes.
