What Is Stannous Chloride? Formula, CAS Number, Forms, Properties and Uses

15, Sep. 2026

 

What Is Stannous Chloride? Formula, CAS Number, Forms, Properties and Uses

Stannous chloride is an inorganic tin compound in which tin has an oxidation state of +2. Its chemical formula is SnCl2, and the commonly referenced anhydrous compound has CAS Number 7772-99-8. It is also widely supplied as stannous chloride dihydrate, SnCl2·2H2O, with CAS Number 10025-69-1. In industry, buyers select between solid anhydrous material, crystalline dihydrate, and prepared aqueous or acidic solutions according to concentration, stability, handling, and application requirements.

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At Azeal Materials, I support B2B buyers who need stannous chloride for chemical processing, metal finishing, catalyst systems, laboratory production, and other controlled applications. The most important purchasing decision is not simply the product name; it is the combination of form, assay, oxidation-state control, impurities, packaging, and delivery requirements.

Stannous Chloride Formula and Chemical Identity

Stannous chloride is also known as tin(II) chloride or tinous chloride. The term “stannous” identifies tin in the +2 oxidation state, while “stannic” generally refers to tin in the +4 oxidation state. This distinction matters because tin(II) chloride has reducing properties that are different from those of tin(IV) compounds.

Item Anhydrous Stannous Chloride Stannous Chloride Dihydrate
Chemical formula SnCl2 SnCl2·2H2O
Common CAS Number 7772-99-8 10025-69-1
Molecular weight 189.60 g/mol 225.65 g/mol
Typical physical form White to off-white solid White crystalline solid

The molecular weight of anhydrous SnCl2 is approximately 189.60 g/mol, while the dihydrate is approximately 225.65 g/mol. These values are important when converting between product grades, calculating active SnCl2 content, and preparing process solutions. A buyer should confirm whether a supplier reports assay on an anhydrous basis, a dihydrate basis, or as a solution concentration.

Core Properties of Stannous Chloride

Stannous chloride is typically supplied as a white or pale crystalline solid, although appearance can vary with hydration state, purity, and storage conditions. It is moisture-sensitive and may hydrolyze in water, especially when the solution is not sufficiently acidic. For this reason, commercial solutions are often stabilized with hydrochloric acid or another compatible acidic medium.

One of its most important chemical functions is reducing activity. Tin(II) can be oxidized to tin(IV), allowing stannous chloride to participate in reactions that require a controlled reducing agent. The material can also form complexes with chloride ions and other ligands, so concentration, acidity, temperature, and contact materials can influence process performance.

Stannous chloride is generally soluble in water under suitable conditions and is also compatible with certain acidic process systems. However, solubility and solution stability should not be treated as universal across all concentrations and temperatures. Before scale-up, I recommend confirming dissolution behavior, filtration requirements, oxidation control, and compatibility with the customer’s equipment.

Storage and Handling Considerations

Stannous chloride should be kept in tightly closed packaging and protected from moisture, excessive heat, and contamination. The specific storage conditions should follow the product safety data sheet and the supplier’s technical documentation. Because tin(II) can oxidize during prolonged exposure to air or unsuitable process conditions, buyers should define an acceptable oxidation-state or assay range for critical applications.

Handling should be performed by trained personnel using suitable protective equipment and workplace controls. Stannous chloride is not a material that should be selected only by price; the correct grade, packaging, labeling, and documentation are essential for safe and consistent industrial use.

What Is Stannous Chloride Used For?

Electroplating and Metal Surface Treatment

Stannous chloride is used in tin-plating and related metal-finishing chemistry because it provides tin(II) ions for controlled deposition systems. The final result depends on the complete bath formulation, including acidity, additives, current density, temperature, substrate preparation, and contamination control. It may also be used in laboratory or production-scale preparation of tin-containing plating chemicals.

For a plating buyer, the key requirements are usually consistent assay, low levels of unwanted metallic impurities, reliable dissolution, and batch-to-batch documentation. A technical data sheet and certificate of analysis should be reviewed together because nominal purity alone may not describe all the impurities relevant to the plating process.

Reducing Agent and Chemical Synthesis

In laboratory and industrial synthesis, stannous chloride can act as a reducing agent and a source of tin(II) ions. Its use depends on the reaction route, solvent system, acidity, temperature, and the required degree of conversion. It is often chosen when a process needs a manageable inorganic reducing system rather than an organic reagent.

Because the oxidation state is central to performance, buyers should consider how the material is stored and how long it will remain in inventory. Where the process is sensitive to oxidation, a fresh solution, controlled packaging, or an agreed shelf-life specification may be more appropriate than a general-purpose solid.

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Glass, Ceramic, Textile, and Printing Chemistry

Stannous compounds can be used in selected glass, ceramic, textile, and printing-related chemical systems. The exact role may include reducing, surface-modifying, or assisting the formation of tin-containing compounds. These uses are formulation-dependent, so the suitability of one grade cannot automatically be assumed for every application.

For these industries, I recommend evaluating color, trace metals, chloride balance, moisture content, and compatibility with downstream heating or curing steps. A small technical trial can identify precipitation, discoloration, residue, or instability before a larger commercial order is placed.

Catalyst and Intermediate Production

Stannous chloride may be used as a reagent, catalyst component, or intermediate in the preparation of other tin chemicals. Its value in these systems comes from the reactivity of tin(II), its chloride coordination chemistry, and its ability to participate in controlled transformations. The appropriate grade depends on the target reaction and the impurity limits of the final product.

Stannous chloride is also recognized in some regulatory contexts as a food additive under the designation E512, but any food-related use must be evaluated against the regulations of the destination market and the applicable product specification. A technical-grade product should never be assumed to be suitable for food, pharmaceutical, or other regulated applications without documented qualification.

Available Forms and Material Options

Anhydrous Stannous Chloride

Anhydrous SnCl2 is selected when a buyer needs a lower water-content raw material or wants to calculate dosage directly from the anhydrous molecular formula. It is useful for controlled synthesis and applications where added crystallization water could affect the process. Packaging must provide effective protection from humidity during storage and transportation.

Stannous Chloride Dihydrate

The dihydrate contains two water molecules in its crystal structure and is a widely used commercial form. Its molecular weight is higher than that of the anhydrous material, so dosage calculations must account for the hydration state. If a process specification calls for a particular SnCl2 concentration, the buyer should request clear guidance on conversion between anhydrous and dihydrate grades.

Stannous Chloride Solution

Prepared solutions can reduce the need for in-house dissolution and may improve dosing convenience. Their stability depends on concentration, acidity, temperature, container material, headspace, and storage duration. Before ordering, the buyer should confirm the active concentration, acid content, packaging size, transport classification, and recommended shelf life.

Key Specifications Buyers Should Check

A practical specification review should begin with chemical identity and form. I normally recommend confirming the formula, CAS Number, assay method, tin(II) content, moisture or water of crystallization, and the presence of tin(IV) or other oxidized species where relevant. These details help prevent confusion between stannous chloride and other tin-based materials.

  • Assay and active content: Confirm the stated purity basis and calculation method.
  • Oxidation state: Check whether the application requires controlled tin(II) content.
  • Impurity profile: Review iron, lead, copper, arsenic, sulfate, and other limits when relevant.
  • Moisture and hydration: Distinguish anhydrous material from dihydrate material.
  • Physical form: Confirm powder, crystals, flakes, or solution format.
  • Packaging: Select moisture-resistant packaging suitable for the shipping route.
  • Documentation: Request a specification sheet, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, and batch information.

Customers should also define practical requirements such as minimum order quantity, preferred packaging, delivery destination, sampling needs, and storage conditions. A supplier may be able to offer different package sizes or solution formats, but availability should be confirmed before a purchase order is issued. For international shipments, the classification and documentation should be checked for the specific formulation and transport mode.

How to Select a Stannous Chloride Supplier

The right supplier should demonstrate control over product identity, batch consistency, packaging, and export coordination. I recommend asking for a recent certificate of analysis, production or packing details, sample availability, and an explanation of how the supplier manages moisture and oxidation risks. These requests are especially important when the material will enter a plating bath, catalyst process, or regulated production environment.

At Azeal Materials, I help buyers compare anhydrous, dihydrate, and solution options according to their process requirements. Our support can include specification alignment, packaging discussion, sample coordination, commercial quotation, and shipment planning. Instead of offering a generic product description, I work with the buyer to identify the form and quality parameters that are technically appropriate.

Summary Insight

Stannous chloride is a tin(II) compound with the formula SnCl2; its commonly referenced anhydrous CAS Number is 7772-99-8, while the dihydrate is CAS 10025-69-1. Its principal value comes from its tin(II) content, reducing behavior, and usefulness as a source of tin ions in plating, synthesis, catalyst, glass, ceramic, textile, and selected regulated applications. The anhydrous, dihydrate, and solution forms are not interchangeable without checking molecular weight, concentration, stability, and process requirements.

If you are planning to buy stannous chloride, the next step is to provide the intended application, required form, target assay, impurity limits, packaging preference, quantity, and destination market. At Azeal Materials, I can help you review the specification and identify a suitable supply option for your project. Contact our chemicals team with your technical requirements to begin a quotation or sample discussion.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Stannous Chloride. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.