X-ray diffraction and mössbauer analyses of SnO disproportionation products

The disproportionation of SnO in the temperature range 200–750 °C for varying lengths of time from 0.5 to 100 h was investigated. The reaction starts at about 250 °C producing metallic tin and an intermediate oxide whose formula has been confirmed as Sn3O4. In the temperature range 250–425 °C the disproportionation products are metallic tin and the intermediate oxide. In the temperature range between 425 ° and 550 °C, Sn3O4 slowly decomposes to Sn and SnO2, after the complete disappearance of SnO. Over 550 °C the disproportionation products are the thermodynamically stable phases Sn and SnO2.