Trimethyltin chloride is an organotin compound with the formula (CH3)3SnCl. It is a white solid that is highly toxic and malodorous. It is susceptible to hydrolysis.

Synthesis

Trimethyltin chloride can be prepared by the redistribution reaction of tetramethyltin with tin tetrachloride. This redistribution reaction is typically performed with no solvent because high temperatures are required and purification is simplified. A second route to (CH3)3SnCl involves treating the corresponding hydroxide or oxide (in the following reaction, trimethyltin hydroxide (CH3)3SnOH) with a halogenating agent such as hydrogen chloride or thionyl chloride (SOCl2):

Uses

Trimethyltin chloride is used as a source of the trimethylstannyl group ((CH3)3Sn\s). For example, it is a precursor to vinyltrimethylstannane ((CH3)3SnCH\dCH2) and indenyltrimethylstanane (CH3)3SnC9H7 (see Transition metal indenyl complex): An example of an organolithium reagent reacting with (CH3)3SnCl to form a tin-carbon bond is: Organotin compounds derived from Me3SnCl are useful in organic synthesis, especially in radical chain reactions. (CH3)3SnCl is a precursor to compounds used in PVC stabilization. Reduction of trimethyltin chloride with sodium gives hexamethylditin: