As a result, it forms antimonides that are generally similar to nitrides, phosphides, and arsenides. This element can act as an oxidizing agent and react with many metals. The electronic structure of antimony is almost similar to arsenic and has three half-filled orbitals in its outermost shell. Therefore, it can form three covalent bonds and form oxidation states of +3 and -3. The electronegativity of antimony, like arsenic, is somewhat controversial. It is generally agreed that this parameter is lower in this element than arsenic. But it is not certain that it is less than phosphorus. Antimony trioxide is soluble in both acids and alkalis. Metal antimony is not normally affected by air and humidity. But if the air is humid, it gradually oxidizes. Antimony is easily oxidized by sulfur and halogens when heated. When heated in air, it burns with a glowing blue flame to form white trioxide vapors with the chemical formula Sb 2 O 3. There is also an amorphous black antimony produced by the sudden quenching of the vapor phase. A yellow form of the metal has also been observed due to the low temperature oxidation of stebin with the chemical formula SbH 3 in air or chlorine. The most stable form of elemental antimony is a brittle, silver substance with a high metallic luster. Electrolyte deposition of antimony in certain conditions creates an unstable and amorphous form called “explosive antimony”. Because when bent or scratched, it gently explodes into a more stable metal shape. An overview of the properties of antimony metal Antimony sulfur (Sb 2 S 3 ) is mentioned in Egyptian papyri from the 16th century BC. The black form of this pigment is naturally present as the mineral stenbite.Īnother known pigment of this metal was the yellow lead antimony known in the Chaldean civilization, which was used in southern Iraq in the 6th and 7th centuries BC. This compound was found in the glaze of decorative bricks in Babylon. Antimony was widely used in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, metal antimony was a favorite of alchemists. According to some of the earliest metallurgical books in Europe, the earliest methods for isolating antimony metal were probably known by Italian chemists more than 600 years ago.Īntimony and its compounds were well known in the past, and there is a 5,000-year-old antimony metal vase in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Unlike many metals, antimony has been used by humans for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used the metal in cosmetics and medicine about 5,000 years ago. Ancient Greek physicians prescribed its powders to treat skin disorders. When does the discovery of antimony go back? China : Most of its production is from Xikuangshan mine in Hunan.Reduction of carbon or direct reduction of etibenite with ironĪtomic, physical and chemical properties of antimonyĠ.245 nm (-3) 0.062 nm (+5) 0.076 nm (+3).Industrial methods for refining antimony are : High-purity antimony is used to make certain types of semiconductor devices, such as diodes and infrared detectors. By alloying this metal with lead, the durability of lead can be multiplied.Īntimony alloys are used in batteries, low friction metals, cables and many other products. The compounds of this element are also used to make anti-flame materials, paints, ceramic enamels, glass and pottery. The ancient Egyptians used the substance “astenite”, which contains antimony, as eyeliner. But it is usually obtained from the ores “stenbit” ( Sb 2 S 3 ) and “valentinite” ( Sb 2 O 3 ).Īntimony is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. It is stable in dry air and is not attacked by dilute or alkaline acids. The interesting thing about antimony and some of its alloys is that they expand when cooled. This substance is sometimes found freely in nature. Its non-metallic form is mainly in the form of a gray powder. The metal type of antimony has a light silver color and is hard and brittle. Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. Antimony is a gray porous metal and is mainly found as a mineral sulfide in nature. Antimony compounds have been known since ancient times and have been powdered for use in industries such as medicine and cosmetics.Īntimony is a chemical element Semimetallic.
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