TRIMETHYLTIN CHLORIDE
(AND OTHER ORGANOTIN COMPOUNDS)

Trimethyltin chloride
(chlorotrimethylstannane)
CAS 1066-45-1
Other organotin compounds: tributyltin chloride, tributyltin hydride

C₃H₉ClSn

White crystalline solid
mp 37 to 39 °C
Insoluble in water

Strong unpleasant stench; no threshold data available

97 °C

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 12.6 mg/kg

PEL (OSHA) 0.1 mg tin/m ³

The ACGIH has established the following uniform exposure limits for all organotin compounds based on the concentration of tin in air:

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.1 mg tin/m ³

STEL (ACGIH) 0.2 mg tin/m ³

Trimethyltin chloride is highly toxic by all routes of exposure.

Trimethyltin chloride and other organotin compounds are highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Trimethyltin chloride can cause irritation and burns of the skin and eyes. Organotin compounds can affect the central nervous system. The degree of toxicity is greatest for compounds with three or four alkyl groups attached to tin. Di- and monoalkyltin compounds are moderately toxic. The toxicity diminishes as the size of the alkyl groups increases. Thus, the oral LD₅₀ s in rats are as follows: dimethyltin dichloride, 74 to 237 mg/kg; tributyltin chloride, 122 to 349 mg/kg; dibutyltin oxide, 487 to 520 mg/kg; trioctyltin chloride, >4000 mg/kg.

Organotin compounds have been shown to cause reproductive effects in laboratory animals.

Not a significant fire hazard. Emits toxic fumes in fire.

Trimethyltin chloride and other organotin halides react with water to produce hydrogen halides. Organotin hydrides react with water to produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.

Because of its high acute toxicity, trimethyltin chloride should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by additional precautions for work with compounds of high acute toxicity (Chapter 5.D). Other alkyltin compounds should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If trimethyltin chloride or another organotin compound is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, sweep up the organotin compound or soak up with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Excess trimethyltin chloride or other organotin compound and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.