SnCl2 dihydrate reacts with acetic anhydride to yield anhydrous SnCl2. SnCl2 exhibits reducing properties in acidic media. SnCl2 shows superior catalytic action in its molten state. It is a promising raw material for the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of semiconducting layers. SnCl2 participates in the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds, nitriles, cyanosilyl ethers and organic azides.