What does stannic mean?
Stannic is a technical adjective meaning that tin is present in the +4 oxidation state. It is used in the names of chemical compounds, ions, and salts, including stannic acid, stannic oxide, and stannic chloride. The term belongs to inorganic chemistry and is especially useful when distinguishing tin(IV) from tin(II), the latter being described as stannous. Its pronunciation is STAN-ik, with stress on the first syllable. Although the word may sound old-fashioned because of its formal construction and classical-sounding ending, it remains standard in chemical nomenclature and scientific literature. Outside chemistry, stannic is uncommon and should not be used merely as a general synonym for “containing tin,” since the specific oxidation state is essential to its meaning.
adjectiveDenoting tin in the +4 oxidation state, especially a compound or ion containing tin(IV).
- Denoting tin in the +4 oxidation state.
- Denoting a compound containing tin in the +4 oxidation state, as in stannic acid, oxide, or chloride.
"The stannic chloride solution was added slowly to prevent excessive heating."
"Stannic oxide is used as an opacifier in some ceramic glazes."
"The reaction produced a stannic salt with tin in the +4 oxidation state."
Stannic is chemistry's precise name for tin at oxidation state +4, while its near-opposite, stannous, identifies the +2 state.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stannic come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from Latin stannum, meaning “tin,” combined with the suffix -ic, which was then used in chemical terminology to indicate a higher oxidation state. The same Latin root also underlies stannous and stannate, while stannary belongs to a separate historical English borrowing associated with tin mining.
How stannic is actually used
This is chiefly a technical chemistry term. In compound names such as stannic acid and stannic chloride, it distinguishes tin(IV) compounds from corresponding tin(II) compounds called stannous compounds.
Easily confused with stannic
Stannic denotes tin in the +4 oxidation state, whereas stannous denotes tin in the +2 oxidation state.