Process for production of monoalkyltin trihalides

The present invention is directed to a process for the production of monoalkyltin trihalides of the formula RSnX3, wherein R = alkyl or cycloalkyl and X = Cl, Br or I, involving a redistribution reaction between tetraorganotins, triorganotin halides or diorganotin halides and tin tetrahalides, said process comprising contacting tetra- (R4Sn), tri- (R3SnX) or diorganotin halides (R2SnX2) with SnX4 to afford said monoorganotin trihalides in the presence of at least one transition metal complex, said complex comprising at least one transition metal, M, selected from Group VIII of the periodic Table of elements, at least one monodentate ligand or bidentate ligand, L, L' or L", and optionally one or more anions, X, of an organic or inorganic acid, as a catalyst or catalyst precursor.