Stannane

Stannane or tin hydride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SnH4. It is a colourless gas and the tin analogue of methane. Stannane can be prepared by the reaction of SnCl4 and Li[AlH4].


 * SnCl4 + Li[AlH4] → SnH4 + LiCl + AlCl3

Stannane decomposes slowly at room temperature to give metallic tin and hydrogen and ignites on contact with air.

Variants of stannane can be found as a highly toxic, gaseous, inorganic metal hydrides and group 14 hydrides.