What does stannous mean?
Stannous is a technical adjective in chemistry meaning that a substance contains tin in the +2 oxidation state, also called the divalent form of tin. It is used in names such as “stannous chloride” and “stannous ion.” The term should not be confused with “stannic,” which describes tin in the +4 oxidation state. Stannous compounds are encountered mainly in laboratory and industrial chemistry, where oxidation-state terminology helps distinguish compounds that contain the same element in different chemical forms. Although the word is specialized, it follows a systematic naming pattern and is useful for recognizing the oxidation state of tin in a compound name.
adjectiveStannous means containing tin in the +2 oxidation state, the divalent form. In chemical names, it corresponds to the designation tin(II).
- Containing tin in the +2 oxidation state; divalent tin.
"The solution was treated with a stannous chloride solution to reduce the compound."
"Stannous chloride is used in some laboratory reduction reactions."
"The compound was identified as a stannous species by chemical analysis."
Stannous is the chemical label for tin wearing a +2 charge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stannous come from?
The word is derived from the Latin “stannum,” meaning tin, together with the chemical suffix “-ous,” used here to indicate the lower or divalent oxidation state. The related forms “stannic” and “stannate” belong to the same chemical naming family and likewise draw on “stannum.”
How stannous is actually used
This is primarily a technical chemistry term used in compound names and chemical descriptions. It is not normally used on its own in general English, and the more explicit term “tin(II)” is often clearer when the oxidation state is being emphasized.
Easily confused with stannous
Stannous describes tin in the +2 oxidation state, whereas stannic describes tin in the +4 oxidation state.