The spelling of the word "butter of tin" is a bit unusual, but it reflects the historical pronunciation of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be transcribed as /ˈbʌtər əv tɪn/. The "er" sound in "butter" is pronounced as a short "u" sound, and the "o" in "of" is pronounced as a schwa sound. The "t" in "tin" is pronounced as unvoiced, meaning there is no vibration in the vocal cords. Overall, the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word as it was historically spoken.
Butter of tin is a term used to describe a compound called stannic chloride. Stannic chloride is an inorganic chemical compound represented by the formula SnCl4. It is a colorless liquid that has a peculiar consistency similar to that of butter, which is how it earned its name. The compound is primarily composed of tin and chlorine atoms.
The production of butter of tin typically involves the reaction of tin with chlorine gas. The resulting liquid has a pungent odor and is highly corrosive. It is soluble in various organic solvents and forms derivatives with several organic compounds. Butter of tin is often utilized as a precursor or catalyst in various chemical reactions, including the production of other tin compounds.
This compound finds applications in several industrial processes, including the manufacturing of dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials. It is also used in analytical chemistry for the detection and determination of certain compounds. Additionally, butter of tin has been historically utilized as a mordant in dyeing and textile industries due to its ability to fix colors to fabrics.
Though butter of tin can be a valuable compound for various applications, it is important to handle it with caution due to its toxic and corrosive nature. It is necessary to follow proper safety protocols and use appropriate protective equipment when working with butter of tin.
Chloride of tin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.