A rapid method for the spectrophotometric determination of tin in canned foods, based on formation of the binary Sn(IV)-5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol complex and extraction into chloroform has been developed. The absorption maximum at 390nm ( = 1.26 x 10(4) l.mole(-1).cm(-1)) is used for the determination. Beer's law is obeyed up to 6mug of tin per ml. Organic matter is destroyed by digestion with acid. Potential interferences have been studied. The detection limit for tin is 2.5mg kg .