Stannane or tin hydride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SnH<sub>4</sub>. It is a colourless gas that ignites on contact with air. SnH<sub>4</sub> is a heavy analogue of methane but much less robust. In contrast to this rarely used species, stannane also refers to a large collection of organotin compounds.
Preparation and reactions
Stannane can be prepared by the reaction of tin(IV) chloride| and lithium aluminium hydride according to the following idealized equation:
:
Stannane decomposes slowly at room temperature to give metallic tin and hydrogen.
See also
- Organotin