An investigation into the stability of TBTO in LOSP-treated radiata pine
IRG/WP 3459
K J Archer, R Meder
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and reverse phase paper chromatography were used to characterise the organotin compounds found in radiata pine treated with bis (tri-n-butyl) tin oxide (TBTO). Preliminary results indicate that the preservative is remarkably unstable in wood after light organic solvent preservative (LOSP) treatment. Significant decomposition of TBTO occurs in a matter of hours. White crystalline material observed on the surface of treated wood was identified as tributyltin acetate (TBTA). Other tributyltin esters, dibutyltin ethers, and butyltin chlorides were also identified.