Making SnCl4:5H2O

• SnCl4 (anhydrous) can be manufactured by applying Chlorine gas to Tin metal. The formed SnCl4 (liquid) should be allowed to drip onto the Tin metal in the apparatus. The reaction is exothermic. The Tin metal should be OK if cut into small pieces or powdered.
  Anhydrous SnCl4 will dissolve in cold water ( warm/hot will decompose it). Saturate a water solution of SnCl4 with Chlorine gas. The solution is then evaporated and condense. When this solution is cooled, deposits of SnCl4:5H20 will form. DTO films may be OK if manufactured from SnCl4 (anhydrous).
  

• Oxidize Stannous Chloride (make from Tin + HCl) in solution with H2O2 or Chlorine gas if you wish. Evaporate on a steam bath or gently boil directly on a hotplate. If hydrolysis occurs (ppt forming) add tiny amounts of conc. HCl until solution is clear. Evaporate until crystals of SnCl4:5H2O separate when cooled. (Not 100% sure if this works)
  

See here for information on making SnCl4, SnCl4:5H2O etc. Stannic.pdf and here.