| Abstract: | The direct synthesis of the two industrially important organotin intermediates, di(n-butyl)tin and di(n-octyl)tin dihalides, has been investigated by reacting the appropriate alkyl halide with metallic tin undervarying conditions. Observations were made on the influences of temperature, pressure, reaction time, nature of the tin metal, organic halide/tin reactant ratios and the presence of catalysts on the extent of tin conversion and yields of the organotin products. The efficacy of the onium halides, notably n-Bu4NI, Me3SI and Ph3MeAsI, either singly or in binary combinations with iodine or inorganic iodine compounds, in catalysing the synthesis of the above dialkyltins as well as higher di(n-alkyl)tin analogues is described. |
