Binary SnO-P₂O₅ (SP) glasses with 52-72 SnO mol% were examined. Glass transition temperature, density, refractive index and absorption edge were studied for transparent SP glasses. The structure of SP glasses was evaluated by FT/IR and Raman spectroscopy. The water durability was investigated by weight loss and Raman spectroscopy for SP glass samples immersed in distilled water at 30-70°C. Raman spectra indicated in the immersion test that Q¹ units form and Q² units decrease as a result of water attack upon the phosphate chains with increasing immersion time in 62SnO·38P₂O₅ glass and no structural change was observed in 72SnO·28P₂O₅ glass. The relationship between the properties and glass structure with chemical bonding is discussed.