Tributyltin oxide (TBTO) is an organotin compound chiefly used as a biocide (fungicide and molluscicide), especially a wood preservative. Its chemical formula is [(C4H9)3Sn]2O. It is a colorless viscous liquid. It is poorly soluble in water (20 ppm) but highly soluble in organic solvents. It is a potent skin irritant.
Historically, tributyltin oxide's biggest application was as a marine anti-biofouling agent. Concerns over toxicity of these compounds have led to a worldwide ban by the International Maritime Organization. It is now considered a severe marine pollutant and a Substance of Very High Concern by the EU. Today, it is mainly used in wood preservation.
External links
- National Pollutant Inventory Fact Sheet for organotins
- Tributyltin oxide in the Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB)
References
"Focus on IMO - Anti-fouling systems" (PDF). International Maritime Organisation. http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/Anti-foulingSystems/Documents/FOULING2003.pdf ↩
Organotin Chemistry, Second Edition. Alwyn G. Davies, 2004, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. ISBN 3-527-31023-1 /wiki/ISBN_(identifier) ↩
Davies, Alwyn George. (2004) Organotin Chemistry, 2nd Edition Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. ISBN 978-3-527-31023-4 /wiki/ISBN_(identifier) ↩