The electrochemical reactions of Li with c-Mg<sub>2sub>Sn have been investigated by in situ M枚ssbauer spectroscopy of 119Sn and X-ray diffraction. The lithiation transforms initially c-Mg<sub>2sub>Sn part into Li<sub> x sub>Mg<sub>2sub>Sn alloy (x < 0.5). On further lithiation Mg is extruded from the structure with formation of Li<sub>2sub>MgSn ternary alloy. In situ M枚ssbauer spectroscopy provides valuable information on local environment of tin and swelling behavior and cracking of the particles during discharge and charge processes.