Antimony trioxide

Antimony Trioxide

Names
IUPAC name Antimony(III) oxide
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES O=[Sb]O[Sb]=O
Properties
Chemical formula	Sb2O3
Appearance	White powder
Density	5.2 g/cm³ α-form, 5.67 g/cm³ β-form
Melting point	656
Boiling point	1425
Solubility in water	370 ± 37 µg/L
Solubility	Soluble in acids and bases
Hazards
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (Median dose)	7000 mg/kg, oral (rat)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Antimony trioxide is an oxide of antimony. It is used as a flame retardant in combination with halogenated materials, an opacifying agent in glass and ceramic production, in some special pigments, and as a catalyst.

Properties

Chemical

Antimony(III) oxide is an amphoteric oxide of antimony. It dissolves in acids to form the corresponding acid salts and in sodium hydroxide to form sodium meta-antimonite (NaSbO2).

Sb2O3 + 6 HCl → 2 SbCl3 + 3 H2O

With carbon, antimony trioxide forms elemental antimony.

2 Sb2O3 + 3 C → 3 CO2 + 4 Sb

Physical

Antimony trioxide is an odorless, white solid.

Availability

To do

Preparation

Antimony trioxide can be prepared by reaction of antimony metal with oxygen at high temperatures. This is best done in a furnace. The product will sublime during the process of making it.

Projects

• Pigment
• Glass and ceramic production
• Catalyst for polyethylene terephthalate production

Handling

Safety

Antimony(III) oxide is a suspected carcinogen. It should be handled with care, especially at high temperatures where it tends to sublime.

Storage

Can be stored in any container. Should be stored away from acid and base vapors.

Disposal

To do