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A white insoluble solid. Antimony(III) oxide is an amphoteric oxide with a strong tendency to act as a base. Antimony(III) oxide can be prepared by direct oxidation by air, oxygen, or steam and is formed when antimony(III) chloride is hydrolyzed by excess boiling water.
Antimony(III) oxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Sb2O3. Antimony(III) oxide is the most important commercial compound of antimony. Antimony(III) oxide is found in nature as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite. Like most polymeric oxides, Sb2O3 dissolves in aqueous solutions with hydrolysis. A mixed arsenic-antimony oxide occurs in nature as the very rare mineral stibioclaudetite.
Antimony trioxide is a white crystalline solid. Antimony(III) oxide is insoluble in water. Antimony(III) oxide is used to fireproof fabrics, paper and plastics, as a paint pigment and for many other uses.
Antimony(III) oxide is an amphoteric oxide. Antimony(III) oxide dissolves in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to give the meta-antimonite NaSbO2, which can be isolated as the trihydrate. Antimony(III) oxide also dissolves in concentrated mineral acids to give the corresponding salts, which hydrolyzes upon dilution with water. With nitric acid, the trioxide is oxidized to antimony(V) oxide.
CAS Number: 1309-64-4
EC Number: 215-474-6
Molecular Formula: Sb2O3
Molecular Weight: 291.518 g/mol
SYNONYMS: Diantimony trioxide, ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE, Senarmontite, 1327-33-9, Antimonious oxide, Valentinite, Exitelite, Timonox, Twinkling star, Antimony White, Thermoguard B, Thermoguard L, Thermoguard S, White star, Fireshield H, Dechlorane A-O, Stibiox MS, Amspec-KR, Patox C, Patox H, Patox L, Patox M, Patox S, Atox B, Atox F, Atox R, Atox S, Antimony oxide (Sb2O3), FireShield LS-FR, Antimony sesquioxide, Timonox White Star, Microfine A 05, Octoguard FR 10, Flameguard VF 59, antimony(3+);oxygen(2-), Chemetron fire shield, Antimony(3+) oxide, Flame Cut 610, Flame Cut 610R, Antimony Bloom 100A, Antimony Bloom 500A, Weisspiessglanz, Nyacol A 1510LP, Fireshield FSPO 405, LS-FR, Nyacol A 1530, Weisspiessglanz [German], AP 50 (metal oxide), NCI-C55152, AT 3 (fireproofing agent), EINECS 215-474-6, AT 3B, MIC 3, oxygen(-2) anion, CCRIS 4495, HSDB 436, LSB 80, HM 203P, AP 50, A 1588LP, ANTIMONIUM OXYDATUM, EINECS 215-175-0, AN 800, 12412-52-1, Antimony oxide (SB203), P217481X5E, Sb2O3,, CI 77052, ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE [MI], ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE [HSDB], ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE [IARC], C.I. 77052, UNII-P217481X5E, A 1582, ANTIMONIUM OXYDATUM [HPUS], Weisspiessglanz (German), EC 215-175-0, ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE (IARC), Anzon-tms, Dechlorane AO, Antimony peroxide, Ultrafine II, FireShield LSFR, oxostibanyl stibinate, STIBITAL, PATOX U, WHITE STAR N, TIMONOX RED STAR, Nyacol A-1530, FIRE CUT AT 3, POLYSAFE 100T, UF (OXIDE), TRUTIN 40, PYROGUARD AN 700, PYROGUARD AN 900, DTXCID303880, ANTIMONY OXIDE (O3SB2), DTXSID9051456, FCP 100, ANTIMONY OXIDE (SBO15), ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE (SB2O3), A1588 LP, AKOS030228225, Q409035, 1317-98-2
Antimony trioxide, together antimony tetroxide and antimony pentoxide, are the current three compounds forming between antimony and oxygen with industrial application. Antimony can form a series of oxide with oxygen such as Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, Sb6O13, and Sb2O as well as gaseous SbO. However, only the first three compounds have significance in industrial production with other oxides mostly being the transition product of various kinds of antimony production process.
Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3, Mr291.50) is a dual-type substance including cubic crystal and monoclinic crystal type. For different crystal form, the density and refractive index also slightly differ. The density and refractive index of cubic crystal is 5.2 and 2.087, respectively while is 5.67 and 2.18 for the monoclinic crystal, respectively. The Sb2O3 commonly derived from hydrolysis of SbCl3 is rhombic crystal can burn to red heat in an inert gas or in vacuum and can generate square crystal upon sublimation. Antimony trioxide is a kind of white powder with the density being 5.67g/cm3. Antimony(III) oxide becomes yellow when being heated and turn back to white upon being cooled. Upon 656 ℃, Antimony(III) oxide can be molten into yellow or gray liquid with becoming white asbestos-like mercerizing substance. Antimony trioxide is slightly soluble in water, ethanol and dilute acid, easily soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid, and is also soluble in fuming nitric acid and fuming sulfuric acid; Antimony(III) oxide forms antimonite upon be dissolved in alkali. Antimony trioxide has a low toxicity but has irritation effect on nose, eyes, throat and respiratory tract. Skin contact may induce dermatitis. Antimony trioxide mainly has two preparation methods including dry and wet. Dry method is through reducing the crude sulfur trioxide generated from the calcined sulfantimonide ore into metallic antimony in the presence of coke with soda as the melting promoting agent. The wet method is through leaching sulfur antimony ore with hydrochloric acid to generate antimony trichloride and further hydrolysis with caustic soda to obtain it.
Antimony trioxide is a widely used flame retardant suitable to being used for polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, epoxy resin, polyurethane and other plastics. However, Antimony trioxide has low flame retardant effect when being used alone. Instead Antimony trioxide has good synergistic effect when being used in combination with phosphates, chlorine-containing compounds (such as chlorinated paraffins, PCBs, perchloro-glutar-cyclodecane etc.), bromine-containing compounds (such as Hexabromobiphenyl, Hexabromobenzene) with the flame retardant performance being improved significantly. Combining of antimony trioxide with chloride or bromide can result in antimony trichloride or antimony bromide which is reactive and volatile substances which can promote the halogen movement and generation of carbides in its solid form as well as capturing free radicals in its gas form. These reactions can all contribute to flame retardancy. It is always combined with zinc oxide, sodium hydroxide, etc. to be used as brominated synergist flame retardant synergist for being applied to plastic fire prevention system. Antimony trioxide can also be used in the manufacture of antimony potassium tartrate, pigments, porcelain enamels, dyes and other media. It can also be used as a catalyst for polyester poly-condensation.
Occurs as colorless orthorhombic modifications, valentinite, or colorless cubic form, senarmontite; density 5.67 g/cm3 (valentinite), 5.20g/cm3 (senarmontite); cubic modification is dimeric consisting of Sb2O6 discrete molecules; refractive index 2.087; melts in the absence of oxygen at 656°C; boils at 1,550°C (sublimes); sublimes in vacuum at 400°C; very slightly soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents; soluble in HCl, caustic alkalies and tartaric acid.
Antimony Trioxide (commonly referred to as antimony oxide), Sb2O3 is used to impart flame retardancy to plastics. Although antimony trioxide is found in nature, Antimony trioxide is too impure to be used. Flame retardant grades of antimony oxides are manufactured from either antimony metal or the sulfide ore by oxidation in air at 600–800 °C. The particle size and chemical reactivity is determined by the processing conditions, enabling the production of several different grades. Antimony trioxide is from 99.0–99.9 wt % Sb2O3. The remainder consists of 0.4–0.01 wt % arsenic; 0.4–0.01, lead; 0.1–0.0001, iron; 0.005–0.0001, nickel; and 0.01–0.0001, sulfates. Antimony trioxide is insoluble in water and the loss on drying at 110 °C is 0.1 wt % max.
Antimony trioxide has been used as a white pigment since ancient times. The pigmentation from antimony oxide in plastics can be controlled and adjusted by the judicious selection of a Sb2O3 grade having a specific particle size. The product with the smallest particle size and the narrowest particle-size range imparts the whitest color and highest opacity. Translucent plastics can be made by using low tint grades with relatively large particles.
Antimony oxide, Sb2O3, is a nonreactive white pigment prepared from metallic antimony using a similar technique to that used for the preparation of zinc oxide.
Antimony oxide is widely used in the preparation of fire retardant paint in conjunction with chlorine containing resins. On exposure to fire, the chlorine gas liberated by decomposition of the resin component of the paint film reacts with the antimony oxide to produce a vapor of antimony chloride that blankets the flames. Antimony oxide is also used to modify the heavy chalking characteristics of anatase form of titanium oxide.
About this substance
Antimony trioxide is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 10 000 tonnes per annum.
Antimony trioxide is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
This substance is used in the following products: pH regulators and water treatment products and polymers.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use and outdoor use resulting in inclusion into or onto a materials (e.g. binding agent in paints and coatings or adhesives).
Article service life
Release to the environment of Antimony Trioxide can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal), in the production of articles, formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Other release to the environment of Antimony Trioxide is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Antimony Trioxide can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles, machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines) and electrical batteries and accumulators.
Antimony Trioxide can be found in products with material based on: fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys), plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), metal (e.g. cutlery, pots, toys, jewellery), leather (e.g. gloves, shoes, purses, furniture), stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material), rubber (e.g. tyres, shoes, toys), wood (e.g. floors, furniture, toys) and paper (e.g. tissues, feminine hygiene products, nappies, books, magazines, wallpaper).
Widespread uses by professional workers
Antimony Trioxide is used in the following products: adhesives and sealants, coating products, inks and toners, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, pH regulators and water treatment products, lubricants and greases and paper chemicals and dyes.
Antimony Trioxide is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, plastic products, textile, leather or fur, wood and wood products, rubber products and mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement).
Release to the environment of Antimony Trioxide can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of this Antimony Trioxide is likely to occur from: indoor use, outdoor use resulting in inclusion into or onto a materials (e.g. binding agent in paints and coatings or adhesives), outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Formulation or re-packing
Antimony Trioxide is used in the following products: polymers, coating products, laboratory chemicals and semiconductors.
Antimony Trioxide has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Release to the environment of Antimony Trioxidecan occur from industrial use: in the production of articles, formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials, manufacturing of the substance and as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates).
Uses at industrial sites
Antimony Trioxide is used in the following products: polymers, laboratory chemicals, coating products, semiconductors, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and inks and toners.
Antimony Trioxide has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Antimony Trioxide is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and municipal supply (e.g. electricity, steam, gas, water) and sewage treatment.
Antimony Trioxide is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, machinery and vehicles, plastic products, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), electrical, electronic and optical equipment and textile, leather or fur.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials, manufacturing of the substance and as processing aid.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of Antimony Trioxide can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), formulation in materials, in the production of articles and formulation of mixtures.
When heated with carbon, the oxide is reduced to antimony metal. With other reducing agents such as sodium borohydride or lithium aluminium hydride, the unstable and very toxic gas stibine is produced. When heated with potassium bitartrate, a complex salt potassium antimony tartrate, KSb(OH)2·C4H2O6, is formed.
Senarmontite is a mineral with formula of Sb3+2O3 or Sb2O3. The IMA symbol is Sen.
Valentinite is a mineral with formula of Sb3+2O3 or Sb2O3. The corresponding IMA (International Mineralogical Association) number is IMA1980 s.p.. The IMA symbol is Vln.
The annual consumption of antimony(III) oxide in the United States and Europe is approximately 10,000 and 25,000 tonnes, respectively. The main application is as flame retardant synergist in combination with halogenated materials. The combination of the halides and the antimony is key to the flame-retardant action for polymers, helping to form less flammable chars. Such flame retardants are found in electrical apparatuses, textiles, leather, and coatings.
Other applications:
Antimony(III) oxide is an opacifying agent for glasses, ceramics and enamels.
Some specialty pigments contain antimony.
Antimony(III) oxide is a useful catalyst in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) and the vulcanization of rubber.
Typically it is used as a flame retardant synergist in plastics, paints, adhesives, sealants, textiles, rubber and electronics. Antimony Trioxide is also used in glass as a refining agent to decolorize and degasify the glass.
Antimony trioxide is formed by reacting antimony trichloride (SbCl3) with water. Antimony Trioxide is used in combination with some brominated flame retardants, and might also be used in conjunction with zinc borate, both within and outside the United States on commercial furniture, draperies, wall coverings, and carpets. It is also used in enamels, glasses, rubber, plastics, adhesives, textiles, paper, and as a paint pigment.
Antimony trioxide is a white crystalline powder.
Solubility
Antimony trioxide is not soluble in water and in nitric acid, not very soluble in diluted H2S04 and HCI but more soluble in these acid concentrates.
Uses
Antimony(III) oxide is the most important commercial compound of antimony, a brittle, silvery-white semimetal that conducts heat poorly. Antimony trioxide is found in nature as the minerals stibnite. It is synthetically produced by roasting antimony metal in a furnace with oxygen present or recycled from lead-based batteries. Antimony trioxide is predominantly used in polymer where resistance to ignition and flammability are required. Antimony(III) oxide is a synergistic of halogens, typically chlorine and bromine based, necessary to achieve performance levels in compliance with European labeling directives and at the same time pass specific tests for fireproof materials such as UL94 or in the automotive sector. Sb2O3 is also used as a catalyst for PET manufacture, as a frictional additive in automotive brake linings, as a clarifier for glass, as an opacifier for enamels, and in ceramic and textile applications.
Classification
The toxicity of antimony trioxide is topical because it is a likely byproduct of the combustion of some materials "fireproofed" with antimony compounds. The oxides of arsenic, antimony, and bismuth are comparable in their toxicity, but their volatilities differ widely. Antimony trioxide has suspected carcinogenic potential for humans.
Antimony trioxide is an inorganic compound. Antimony Trioxide dissolves in aqueous solutions by hydrolysis. Antimony Trioxide is whitish powder and crystalline. Antimony Trioxide is insoluble in nitric acid.
Antimony Trioxide can be used in the production of PET as a catalyst. In same glasses Antimony Trioxide is an explanatory aid, in semiconductors it is an additive. It is suitable to be preferred as a component in the manufacture of complex inorganic colored rutile pipments. It is one of the most important commercial compounds. The raw stat emay become volatile again. In same cases it contains rich mining features. It prevents foaming on the Windows. Since it is flame retardant, added to colors, antimony trioxide looks even more vibrant.
