Tin Man Electrolysis

What happens in an electrolytic cell if one of the ions in the electrolyte may be both oxidized and reduced? Electrolysis of tin(II) chloride provides a stunning example. Grow a beautiful “tin-man” crystal tree by running an electric current through a solution of tin(II) chloride. Students will enjoy watching this “electric” oxidation–reduction demonstration as tin crystals are produced and then redissolved when the direction of the current is reversed.