The behavior of liquid tin and its alloys in oxygen at temperature range 600 to 800 degrees C were investigated. Rapid and nearly linear reaction kinetics were observed for pure tin at temperature higher than 700 degrees C. Marker experiments, which determine the mode of mass transport through the scale, and wetting phenomena between the oxide and melts were studied to delineate the reaction mechanism of oxide growth. Moreover, the rates of oxidation of tin were markedly changed by alloying it with small amount of foreign elements, Significantly increased oxidation rates for binary tin alloys containing Mg, Ba, La or Ca were observed. TEM studies indicated that additional growth stresses were introduced into the SnO2 scales by these additions.