Raman Spectra and the Structure of Molten Stannous Chloride and Molten Mixtures of Stannous Chloride and Potassium Chloride

The Raman spectra of molten and crystalline stannous chloride and molten mixtures of stannous chloride and potassium chloride were measured at temperatures from 250° to 600°C. The results indicate that chain polymers of the type (SnCl2)n [with 3 coordination of Sn(II)] predominate in pure molten stannous chloride over a wide temperature range. The spectral changes observed on increasing the mole fraction of potassium chloride in the mixtures from 0 to 0.66 are interpreted as the result of gradual depolymerization with the ultimate formation of pyramidal SnCl3− ions.