Synthesis of MSn(OH)6 (where M = Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn, or Cu) materials at room temperature

Applying a metathesis approach (MCl2 center dot xH(2)O+Na2SnO3 center dot xH(2)O -> MSn(OH)(6)+NaCl+xH(2)O), Schoenfliesite-type materials with general formula MSn(OH)(6) (where M = Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn or Zn) were synthesized at room-temperature. The high lattice-energy of the by-product alkali halide NaCl drives the reaction in the forward direction leading to the formation of the desired materials. The materials synthesized were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to elucidate structural and micro structural features.