Antimony oxide

Antimony oxide or antimony(III) oxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Sb2O3. It is the most important commercial compound of antimony. It is found in nature as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite.

Properties and reactions

Antimony oxide is an amphoteric oxide, it dissolves in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to give the meta-antimonite NaSbO2, which can be isolated as the trihydrate. Antimony oxide also dissolves in concentrated mineral acids to give the corresponding salts, which hydrolyzes upon dilution with water.

Production and applications

Commercially, antimony oxide is produced by the smelting of antimony metal or as a byproduct of the refining or antimonial-lead alloys. It is used in combination with some brominated flame retardants, and might also be used in conjunction with zinc borate, both within and outside the polymer matrix.

Health and safety

Antimony oxide itself has low toxicity, but its health and safety impact is dependent on the form it takes, such as dust or fumes. It is a potential carcinogen and may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs.

See also

• Antimony
• Antimony pentoxide
• Valentinite
• Senarmontite