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Antimony Trioxide[edit | edit source]

Antimony trioxide powder

Antimony trioxide is a chemical compound with the formula Sb2O3. It is the most important commercial compound of antimony. The compound is found in nature as the minerals senarmontite and valentinite.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Antimony trioxide exists in two crystalline forms: cubic and orthorhombic. The cubic form is known as senarmontite, while the orthorhombic form is known as valentinite. In both forms, the antimony atoms are in a +3 oxidation state, and the oxygen atoms are in a -2 oxidation state.

Senarmontite[edit | edit source]

Molecular structure of senarmontite

Senarmontite has a cubic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are coordinated to three oxygen atoms, forming a pyramidal shape. This structure is similar to that of arsenic trioxide.

Valentinite[edit | edit source]

Molecular structure of valentinite

Valentinite has an orthorhombic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are also coordinated to three oxygen atoms, but the arrangement is different from that in senarmontite, leading to a different crystal symmetry.

Production[edit | edit source]

Antimony trioxide is produced by roasting antimony sulfide ores or by oxidizing antimony metal. The process involves the reaction of antimony with oxygen to form the trioxide:

4 Sb + 3 O2 _ 2 Sb2O3

The product is then purified by sublimation.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Antimony trioxide is used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and as an opacifying agent in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.

Health and Safety[edit | edit source]

Antimony trioxide is considered a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposure to antimony trioxide can occur in industrial settings, and it is important to follow safety guidelines to minimize exposure.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

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