3. Physicochemical properties, toxic effects of TBT and regulatory implications

3.1 Physico-chemical properties

Tributyltin and its derivatives belong to the organotin family. Their general chemical formula is R _(n–1) Sn X _n (0 < n < 4), where R represents an alkyl or phenyl group and X an anionic group (halide, oxide, hydroxyl). The Sn covalent bond—C is stable at temperature, in the presence of water and oxygen. The nature of X influences physico-chemical properties, such as solubility in water and non-polar solvents. Solubility decreases with increasing number of organic substituents and carbon chain size