

What is Tin in Chemistry? Properties, Atomic Number, and Main Uses
Tin is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic. Known for its historical and industrial relevance, tin connects chemistry concepts to real-world materials like cans and alloys.
What is Tin in Chemistry?
A tin element refers to a soft, silvery-white metal with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50. Tin belongs to group 14 of the periodic table and is widely used for making alloys, tin cans, and protective coatings. This concept appears in chapters related to metals, alloys, and chemical reactions, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
The molecular formula of tin is simply Sn. It consists of single tin atoms in its pure metallic form and is categorized under basic metals, specifically in the carbon family (group 14). Common tin compounds include SnO2 (tin(IV) oxide), SnCl2 (tin(II) chloride), and SnCl4 (tin(IV) chloride).
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Tin is mostly obtained from the mineral cassiterite (SnO2). The industrial method involves crushing the ore and reducing it with carbon (as coke) in a blast furnace:
1. Cassiterite is ground and washed to remove impurities.2. The ore is mixed with carbon and heated strongly.
3. The chemical reaction occurs:
4. Molten tin is then separated from slag and cast into blocks.
Physical Properties of Tin
Tin is a lustrous, silver-white metal that is soft and malleable. It has a melting point of 231.9 °C and a boiling point of 2602 °C. Tin is non-toxic, has a density of about 7.27 g/cm3, and does not corrode easily in air because it forms a thin protective oxide layer.
Property | Value |
---|---|
Symbol | Sn |
Atomic Number | 50 |
Group/Period | 14 / 5 |
Electronic Configuration | [Kr] 5s24d105p2 |
Atomic Mass | 118.71 u |
Density | 7.27 g/cm3 |
Oxidation States | +2, +4 |
Melting Point | 231.9 °C |
Boiling Point | 2602 °C |
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Tin reacts with strong acids and alkalis but is resistant to weak acids and water. It has two common oxidation states: +2 and +4. Some important chemical reactions include:
1. Sn + 2HCl → SnCl2 + H22. SnCl2 + Cl2 → SnCl4
3. It does not react directly with water.
Tin also forms useful alloys, such as bronze (with copper) and solder (with lead).
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing tin’s formula (Sn) with titanium (Ti).
- Assuming all shiny cans are made of pure tin—they are mostly steel with a tin coating.
- Mixing up oxidation states in reactions (+2 and +4).
- Thinking tin is highly toxic. Pure tin is non-toxic; organotin compounds can be harmful.
Uses of Tin in Real Life
Tin is widely used in industries and daily life due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to form useful alloys.
- Tin cans and food containers (tinplate)
- Making bronze and pewter alloys
- Soldering electronic components
- Coating for other metals to prevent rust
- Window glass production (float glass method)
- As stabilizer in plastics
- Production of electrical contacts
- Superconducting magnets (tin-niobium alloys)
- In certain types of toothpaste (as stannous fluoride)
- Glass coatings for electrical conductivity
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Tin is closely related to other group 14 elements like carbon, silicon, and lead. Studying tin helps students connect concepts like alloys, properties of metals, and the oxidation states of elements. It also aids in understanding basic differences between metals and non-metals in the periodic table.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Start with tin reacting with hydrochloric acid.2. Write the balanced equation:
3. Explain the process:
4. State reaction conditions:
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember “Sn” for tin with the phrase “Shiny New”—Sn is soft, shiny, and used in new tin-coated cans. Vedantu educators often use color-coded periodic tables in live sessions to help students remember group 14 positions, including tin.
Try This Yourself
- Write the IUPAC name of SnCl2.
- Identify the oxidation states and classify as tin(II) or tin(IV) compound.
- Give two real-life uses of tin from your kitchen or daily life.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored tin—its chemical symbol, properties, reactions, and real-life uses. For more in-depth explanations and study support, check live classes and expert notes on Vedantu. Understanding tin makes your knowledge of metals and chemistry both practical and exam-ready!
FAQs on Tin (Sn): Properties, Uses, Compounds & Chemistry Facts
1. What is the chemical symbol for tin?
Tin has the chemical symbol Sn. This symbol comes from its Latin name, stannum.
2. What is the atomic number of tin?
The atomic number of tin is 50. This means tin has 50 protons in its nucleus and is listed as element 50 on the periodic table.
3. Is tin a metal or non-metal?
Tin is a metal. It belongs to group 14 (the carbon family) in the periodic table and shows typical metallic properties such as malleability, ductility, and electrical conductivity.
4. What are the main physical properties of tin?
Tin is a soft, silvery-white metal with the following key properties:
- Malleable and ductile, easy to form and shape
- Melting point: About 232°C
- Lightweight and resistant to corrosion
- Good conductor of electricity and heat
5. What are common uses of tin in daily life and industry?
Tin is widely used in:
- Food cans and tinplates due to its protective coating
- Solder for joining electrical components
- Alloys like bronze and pewter
- Coatings on other metals to prevent rusting
- Production of window glass (float glass process)
6. What are the common oxidation states of tin?
Tin commonly shows two oxidation states: +2 (tin(II)) and +4 (tin(IV)).
- Tin(II) compounds, like SnCl2
- Tin(IV) compounds, like SnO2
7. What are some important compounds of tin?
Common tin compounds include:
- Tin(II) chloride (SnCl2) – used in dyeing and as a reducing agent
- Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) – used in ceramics and glass
- Tin(II) oxide (SnO) – a precursor for other compounds
8. Where is tin found in nature?
Tin is mainly found in the mineral cassiterite (SnO2).
- Cassiterite is the main tin ore
- Major sources: China, Indonesia, Peru, and Bolivia
- Pure tin is rare in nature
9. How does tin differ from lead in terms of safety?
Tin is considered non-toxic and food safe, commonly used in food packaging.
Lead is highly toxic and not safe for food uses.
- Tin: Used in cans and coatings
- Lead: Harmful if ingested or inhaled
10. What is tin pest?
Tin pest refers to the transformation of stable white tin (metallic) into brittle gray tin at low temperatures (below 13°C). This process makes the metal crumbly and less useful for structural purposes.
11. Why does tin have two common oxidation states (+2 and +4)?
Tin displays both +2 and +4 oxidation states because of its electron configuration and its position in group 14. It can lose two or four electrons, stabilizing either state during chemical reactions.
12. Why does tin have the symbol 'Sn' and not 'Ti'?
Tin uses the symbol Sn from its Latin name, stannum. Ti stands for titanium, which is a completely different element in the periodic table.

















