Stannous fluoride also known as tin (II) fluoride is represented by the chemical formula SnF₂ or F₂Sn ^[2] and bears the IUPAC name difluorotin ^[1]. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in potassium fluoride and potassium hydroxide. The inorganic compound is insoluble in ether, ethanol and chloroform ^[4]. It is a fluoride salt and an ionic compound ^[8].

Stannous Fluoride Identification
CAS Number	7783-47-3 [1]
PubChem CID	24550 [1]
ChemSpider ID	22956 [2]
EC Number	231-999-3 [1]

How to Make It

Stannous fluoride can be prepared by dissolving stannous oxide in aqueous hydrogen fluoride [5].

SnO + 2HF = SnF₂ + H₂O

Properties and Characteristics of Stannous Fluoride

General Properties
Molar mass/molecular weight		156.707 g/mol [1]
Physical Properties
Color/appearance		White crystals [3]
Melting point/freezing point		213°C, 415.4°F [3]
Boiling point		850°C, 1562°F [3]
Density		4.57 g cm-3 [3]
State of matter at room temperature (normal phase)		Solid [3]
Chemical Properties
Solubility in water		Insoluble [3]
pH		< 7 (acidic) [6]
Atomic Properties
Crystal structure	Monoclinic [7]

Tin (II) Fluoride Uses

1. In different brands of toothpaste for improving dental health ^[5]. It prevents tooth decay, gingivitis, tooth sensitivity and reinforces weakened tooth enamel. It can be used for xerostomic (dry mouth) patients ^{[9, 10]}.

Is it Dangerous

SnF₂ can cause acute toxicity if swallowed. Contact with eyes and skin should be avoided as it causes severe eye damage and skin irritation ^[4].

Stannous Fluoride (SnF₂) Price

The compound costs around $22 to $40 for every pound ^[5].

References
1. Stannous Fluoride – Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Tin (II) Fluoride – Chemspider.com
3. Tin (II) Fluoride – Americanelements.com
4. Tin (II) Fluoride – Chemicalbook.com
5. Stannous Fluoride – Sciencedirect.com
6. Is the fluoride in toothpaste basic or acidic? – Quora.com
7. Crystallographic studies of tin(II) compounds. I. Crystal structure of tin(II) fluoride, SnF₂ – Pubs.acs.org
8. Is stannous fluoride a covalent or ionic bond? – Answers.com
9. Questions About Stannous Fluoride – Oralb.com
10. Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Review Stannous Fluoride – Dentalcare.com