Tributyltin hydride is an organotin compound with the formula (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>9</sub>)<sub>3</sub>SnH. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. The compound is used as a source of hydrogen atoms in organic synthesis.
The compound is produced by reduction of tributyltin oxide with polymethylhydrosiloxane:
It can also be synthesized by a reduction of tributyltin chloride with lithium aluminium hydride.
The hydride is a distillable liquid that is mildly sensitive to air, decomposing to (Bu<sub>3</sub>Sn)<sub>2</sub>O. Its IR spectrum exhibits a strong band at 1814 cm<sup>âÂÂ1</sup> for ý<sub>SnâÂÂH</sub>.
It is a specialized reagent in organic synthesis. Combined with azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or by irradiation with light, tributyltin hydride converts organic halides (and related groups) to the corresponding hydrocarbon. This process occurs via a radical chain mechanism involving the radical Bu<sub>3</sub>Sn<sup>â¢</sup>. The radical abstracts a H<sup>â¢</sup> from another equivalent of tributyltin hydride, propagating the chain. Tributyltin hydride's utility as a H<sup>â¢</sup> donor can be attributed to its relatively weak bond strength (78 kcal/mol).
It is the reagent of choice for hydrostannylation reactions: