INVESTIGATION OF THE DIRECT SYNTHESIS OF TETRABUTYLTIN FROM BUTYL CHLORIDE

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(00)82697-2

The direct synthesis of tetrabutyltin from butyl chloride, has been investigated, and the various contributing reactions have been identified.A mechanism is proposed for the overall synthesis, which comprises radical-ionic processes for the liberation of metal atoms from the surfaces of the metal powders, followed by formation of bridging intermediates leading to the transfer of butyl groups from zinc to tin, until the synthesis of tetrabutyltin is complete.Although dibutyltin dihalides were shown to be probable intermediates in the process, the known organohalostannate complex Bu4N^{+ -} was not found to be formed under the conditions used.