Stannane (Sn-H) species are very reactive systems.However, stannane (tin tetrahydride) SnH4 is generally considered as unsuitable for CVD deposition because it is too unstable (decomposes at 25 °C to give Sn + 2 H2).
Synthesis: SnCl4 + 4 Li[AlH4] → SnH4 + 4 LiCl + 4 AlH3
More stable and therefore promising as CVD precursors are deuterated stannane or tin alkylhydrides (see below). Despite the reactivity and relative instability of stannane, some examples of its application as CVD precursor have been reported.