• Prevention of oxidation: Metallic Sn is highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, leading to the formation of a layer of tin oxide on its surface. By keeping metallic Sn in an aqueous solution of SnCl2, the tin ions in the solution act as a reducing agent, preventing the oxidation of the metallic tin.
• Stabilization: The presence of SnCl2 in the aqueous solution helps to stabilize the metallic tin, keeping it in its reduced form. This ensures that the tin remains in a usable state for laboratory experiments without undergoing unwanted chemical reactions.
• Enhanced solubility: Placing metallic tin in an aqueous solution of SnCl2 increases its solubility, allowing for better handling and manipulation in laboratory procedures. This also facilitates the use of tin in various reactions and analyses.
• Prevention of contamination: Keeping metallic Sn in an aqueous solution of SnCl2 helps to prevent contamination of the sample. This is important in maintaining the purity of the tin for accurate experimental results.
In conclusion, storing metallic tin in an aqueous solution of SnCl2 in the laboratory is essential for preventing oxidation, stabilizing the tin, enhancing solubility, and preventing contamination. This practice ensures the integrity of the tin sample and promotes accurate and reliable experimental outcomes.