Thermolysis of the phenyltin chlorides,PhxSnCl4–x, (x=1−3): Products and pathways

The thermal degradation of triphenyltin chloride, diphenyltin dichloride and phenyltin trichloride has been studied by pyrolysis at 375°C in sealed tubes for various time periods. In all cases, biphenyl and tin(II) chloride are produced. For both phenyltin trichloride and diphenyltin dichloride, ter- and poly-phenyls are also obtained. In some cases tin(IV) chloride or elemental tin are obtained. Pathways that account for all observed products are presented.