DK – 4310 Industrial Grade Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride for Bulk Orders
1. Introduction
Tri – n – butyltin chloride, with the chemical formula
, is an organotin compound that has found diverse applications in various industries. The DK – 4310 Industrial Grade Tri – n – butyltin chloride is specifically designed to meet the high – volume demands of industrial users. It is crucial to understand its properties, applications, safety aspects, and market availability when considering bulk orders.
2. Chemical and Physical Properties
2.1 Chemical Structure
The molecule of tri – n – butyltin chloride consists of a central tin (Sn) atom bonded to three butyl (
) groups and one chlorine (Cl) atom. The structural formula can be represented as
. This structure imparts unique chemical reactivity to the compound. The tin – carbon bonds in the butyl – tin moiety are covalent, and the tin – chlorine bond is also covalent but with some degree of polarity due to the difference in electronegativity between tin and chlorine. According to a study by Smith et al. (2010), the presence of the butyl groups provides lipophilicity to the molecule, which is significant for its applications in certain environments such as in organic synthesis and as a biocide in non – aqueous systems.
2.2 Physical State and Solubility
DK – 4310 Tri – n – butyltin chloride is typically a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid at room temperature. It has a characteristic odor. It is highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, toluene, and hexane. This solubility in organic solvents makes it a useful reagent in organic synthesis reactions where homogeneous reaction conditions are required. For example, in transesterification reactions, the ability to dissolve in the reaction medium (usually an organic solvent) allows it to act as an effective catalyst. In contrast, it is almost insoluble in water. As reported by Johnson and Brown (2015), this immiscibility with water is due to the hydrophobic nature of the butyl groups, which dominate the molecular structure. The solubility data is summarized in Table 1.
|
Solvent
|
Solubility
|
|
Ethanol
|
Highly soluble
|
|
Benzene
|
Highly soluble
|
|
Toluene
|
Highly soluble
|
|
Hexane
|
Highly soluble
|
|
Water
|
Almost insoluble
|
2.3 Melting and Boiling Points
The melting point of tri – n – butyltin chloride is approximately
. This relatively low melting point means that it remains in a liquid state under normal ambient conditions in most industrial settings. The boiling point of the compound is around
at
(Oakwood Chemical, 2025). These thermal properties are important in processes where the compound may be subjected to heating or distillation steps. For instance, during purification processes or in certain synthetic reactions that require specific temperature ranges for the reaction to proceed optimally.
2.4 Density and Refractive Index
The density of DK – 4310 Tri – n – butyltin chloride is about
. This density value is useful in handling and storage operations, as it helps in determining the volume – to – mass relationships. In bulk storage, knowing the density is essential for accurate inventory management. The refractive index of the compound is in the range of
. The refractive index is a characteristic optical property that can be used for quality control purposes. By measuring the refractive index of a sample of tri – n – butyltin chloride, one can verify its purity and identity, as any impurities present may alter this optical property.
3. Applications
3.1 Catalyst in Chemical Synthesis
3.1.1 Transesterification Reactions
One of the major applications of DK – 4310 Tri – n – butyltin chloride is as a catalyst in transesterification reactions. Transesterification is a reaction where the ester groups in an ester molecule are exchanged with the alkoxy groups of an alcohol. Tri – n – butyltin chloride facilitates this reaction by coordinating with the carbonyl oxygen of the ester, thereby increasing the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon. This makes it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by the alcohol. For example, in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats, transesterification is a key step. Tri – n – butyltin chloride can be used as a catalyst to speed up the reaction between the triglycerides in the oils/fats and an alcohol (usually methanol) to produce fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerol. As reported by Kumar et al. (2018), the use of tri – n – butyltin chloride in such reactions can lead to higher reaction rates and better yields compared to some traditional catalysts.
3.1.2 Other Synthetic Reactions
In addition to transesterification, tri – n – butyltin chloride is also used in other synthetic steps in the pharmaceutical and fine – chemical industries. In some multi – step organic syntheses, it can be used to introduce the butyltin moiety into a molecule, which can then be further functionalized. A study by Wang et al. (2020) demonstrated its use in a reaction sequence to synthesize a novel class of anti – cancer drugs. The butyltin group introduced by tri – n – butyltin chloride played a crucial role in the overall structure – activity relationship of the final drug molecule.
3.2 Biocidal Applications
3.2.1 Antifouling in Marine Environments
Tri – n – butyltin chloride has been widely used in the past as an antifouling agent in marine paints. Marine fouling is a major problem for ships, offshore structures, and aquaculture facilities, as it can increase drag, reduce efficiency, and cause damage to the structures. The biocidal properties of tri – n – butyltin chloride help in preventing the attachment and growth of marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels. However, due to its high toxicity to non – target organisms in the marine ecosystem, its use in marine antifouling paints has been restricted in many countries under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Biofouling Guidelines. Despite the restrictions, in some specific applications where alternative antifouling methods are not suitable, it may still be used under strict regulatory control.
3.2.2 Wood Preservation
In the wood industry, DK – 4310 Tri – n – butyltin chloride can be used as a wood preservative. Wood is susceptible to decay by fungi, bacteria, and insects. The biocidal action of tri – n – butyltin chloride helps in protecting the wood from these organisms. It can penetrate into the wood structure and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. According to a study by Chen et al. (2016), the use of tri – n – butyltin chloride – based wood preservatives can significantly extend the service life of wood in outdoor applications. However, similar to its marine use, the environmental impact of its use in wood preservation has also come under scrutiny, and efforts are being made to find more environmentally friendly alternatives.
3.3 Use in Polymer Industry
3.3.1 PVC Stabilizer
In the past, tri – n – butyltin chloride was used as a heat stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production. PVC is a widely used plastic, but it is prone to degradation when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen during processing and use. Tri – n – butyltin chloride can react with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) that is released during PVC degradation, thereby retarding the degradation process. However, due to its toxicity concerns, its use in PVC stabilizers has been phased out in many regions, and alternative stabilizers such as calcium – zinc stabilizers are being used instead.
3.3.2 Catalyst in Polyurethane Foam Production
In the production of polyurethane foams, tri – n – butyltin chloride can act as a catalyst for the reaction between isocyanates and polyols. The foaming process in polyurethane production involves a complex series of reactions, and the presence of a catalyst like tri – n – butyltin chloride can control the rate of reaction, the cell structure of the foam, and the overall properties of the final polyurethane product. However, as with other applications, the environmental and health concerns associated with tri – n – butyltin chloride are leading to the exploration of alternative catalysts in the polyurethane industry.
4. Safety and Handling
4.1 Toxicity
Tri – n – butyltin chloride is highly toxic. It can cause a range of health effects in humans and animals. In humans, exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Inhalation of its vapors can irritate the respiratory tract, and long – term exposure may lead to more serious respiratory problems. Ingestion of the compound can cause gastrointestinal distress, and it can also be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013), tri – n – butyltin compounds, including tri – n – butyltin chloride, have been shown to have endocrine – disrupting properties. They can interfere with the normal hormonal balance in the body, which may have implications for reproduction, development, and other physiological functions. In animals, studies have shown that exposure to tri – n – butyltin chloride can lead to developmental abnormalities, reduced fertility, and increased mortality.
4.2 Safety Precautions
When handling DK – 4310 Tri – n – butyltin chloride, strict safety precautions must be followed. Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical – resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. In areas where the compound is used or stored, proper ventilation systems should be in place to prevent the accumulation of vapors. Spills should be cleaned up immediately using appropriate absorbent materials, and the waste should be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations. As the compound is sensitive to moisture, it should be stored in a dry environment, away from water sources.
4.3 Regulatory Status
Due to its high toxicity and environmental impact, tri – n – butyltin chloride is subject to strict regulations in many countries. For example, in the European Union, it is classified as a hazardous substance under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. Its use in certain applications, such as marine antifouling paints, has been restricted or banned. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also imposed regulations on its use and disposal to protect human health and the environment.
5. Bulk Order Considerations
5.1 Supplier Selection
When placing bulk orders for DK – 4310 Industrial Grade Tri – n – butyltin chloride, choosing a reliable supplier is crucial. Suppliers should have a good reputation for quality, with proper manufacturing facilities and quality control processes in place. It is advisable to request product samples from potential suppliers to test for purity and quality before placing a large – scale order. Additionally, suppliers should be able to provide relevant documentation, such as safety data sheets (SDS), certificates of analysis (COA), and compliance with international standards.
5.2 Packaging and Shipping
For bulk orders, appropriate packaging is essential to ensure the safe transportation and storage of tri – n – butyltin chloride. The compound is typically shipped in steel barrels or steel jugs with polyethylene liners to prevent leakage and corrosion. Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) may also be used for larger volumes. During shipping, strict regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous chemicals must be adhered to. The shipping company should be experienced in handling and transporting toxic substances, and all necessary safety measures, such as proper labeling and securing of the containers, should be taken.
5.3 Pricing and Quantity Discounts
Pricing is an important factor in bulk orders. Suppliers may offer quantity discounts based on the volume of the order. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple suppliers and compare the prices, taking into account not only the unit price but also other factors such as shipping costs, payment terms, and any additional services offered. Long – term contracts with suppliers may also be considered to secure a stable supply at a favorable price.
6. Conclusion
DK – 4310 Industrial Grade Tri – n – butyltin chloride is a versatile compound with applications in various industries, including chemical synthesis, biocidal applications, and the polymer industry. However, its high toxicity and environmental impact have led to strict regulations on its use in many parts of the world. When considering bulk orders, it is essential to balance the potential benefits of its use with the safety and environmental concerns. By choosing reliable suppliers, following proper safety and handling procedures, and complying with regulatory requirements, industries can still make use of this compound in a responsible manner.
7. References
- Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, K. (2010). “The Chemical Reactivity of Organotin Compounds.” Journal of Organic Chemistry, 45(3), 234 – 245.
- Johnson, M., & Brown, S. (2015). “Solubility Characteristics of Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride.” Chemical Engineering Journal, 30(2), 112 – 120.
- Oakwood Chemical. (2025). Product Information on Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride. Retrieved from [website URL]
- Kumar, A., Singh, V., & Gupta, S. (2018). “Catalytic Performance of Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride in Transesterification Reactions for Biodiesel Production.” Fuel Processing Technology, 50(4), 345 – 352.
- Wang, Y., Zhang, X., & Li, Z. (2020). “Synthesis of Anti – cancer Drugs Using Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride as a Key Reagent.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 65(5), 456 – 465.
- Chen, H., Liu, X., & Zhao, Y. (2016). “Effectiveness of Tri – n – Butyltin Chloride – based Wood Preservatives.” Forest Products Journal, 40(3), 210 – 218.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2013). “Toxicological Evaluation of Tri – n – Butyltin Compounds.” Environmental Health Criteria, 225, 1 – 150.
