Safe tin catalysts

For several years now, Will & Co and Reaxis have been working together for the European market. Reaxis is an American producer of catalysts based on tin, bismuth and zinc. These catalysts are used for various applications, including polyol-isocyanate reactions, curing silicone-based products and esterifications.

Low toxicity

We increasingly see that requirements for catalysts are becoming more and more stringent , as catalysts must have low toxicity and environmental impact needs to be low. This means that catalysts that might have been used for years are slowly being replaced with alternatives, of which tin can often be a good choice. Although tin as a metal is not toxic, this does not hold true for all organic tin compounds , as the tri and di-nbutyl tin compounds are known to be toxic. Of the commonly used organotin compounds, tin octoate (Reaxis® C129) is one amongst the safest. This catalyst is therefore widely used in cross-linking polyurethanes, in the production of oleo-chemicals and the gelation of polyurethane foam.

Positive properties

Because several organic tin compounds showed toxicity, the use of inorganic tin-catalysts has increased over the years. In addition, compounds have other positive properties such as easy removal post-reaction. Examples of these are tin oxalate (REAXIS® C160), which can be used for the esterification of plasticizers and fatty acids and Reaxis® C162 which for example find application in the synthesis of the biopolymer poly-lactic acid. Simple filtration allows for the collection of the catalyst after the completion of these reactions.

The catalysts are mainly used in:
• Glues & sealants
• Binders & coatings
• Oleo-chemistry
• Polymerization reactions

In addition, we also develop catalytic converters specifically tailored to your needs with our customers and supplier.