[Thermal degradation of tributyltin oxide and pulmonary toxicity of its combustion products in mice and guinea pigs].

Relative to an industrial application, the authors relate results obtained from a peculiar study on the thermic degradation of bis (tri-n-butyltin) oxide (TBTO) at various temperatures and they account for the toxic effects observed after inhaling the combustion products in the mouse and guinea pig. Thermolysis of TBTO between 200 and 600 degrees C gives saturated hydrocarbon and olefin gas, a condensate of tetrabutyltin and dibutyltin oxide and a residue composed of stannous or stannic oxides according to the temperature. Pulmonary toxicity is very important at low temperatures but after heating, toxic effects decrease. The results are confirmed by localisation and histopathologic studies. At 600 degrees C no death appears but some behavioral troubles occur. It's possible that repeated exposures can induce delayed toxicity.