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Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) yellow powdery solid; density 3.80 g/ cm3; very slightly soluble in water; hydrated pentoxide is insoluble in nitric acid; dissolves in an aqueous solution of caustic potash.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is usually formed by the action of concentrated nitric acid on antimony or by the hydrolysis of antimony(V) chloride.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide), it is only slightly soluble in water.
CAS Number: 1314-60-9
Molecular Formula: O3Sb2
Molecular Weight: 323.52
EINECS Number: 215-237-7
Synonyms: Antimony tetroxide, Antimony oxide (Sb2O4), Antimony oxide, Diantimony tetraoxide, DIANTIMONY TETROXIDE, ANTIMONY TETROXIDE (SB2O4), .BETA.-Antimony tetroxide, Antimony antimonate (Sb(SbO4)), SUN EPOCH NA 5050, ANTIMONY PENTOXIDE;Antimonic“acid”;ANTIMONY(V) OXIDE 85%;ANTIMONY(V) OXIDE, 99.995%;Antimony(V) oxide, 99+%;Antimony(V) oxide;Antimony pentoxide;ANTIMONY(V)OXIDE, 99.999%;Antimony(V)oxide(99.9%-Sb), EINECS 215-474-6, EINECS 215-576-0, UNII-XB7RVZ5DN5, RefChem:915989, DTXSID9051456, DTXSID9061677, InChIKey XB7RVZ5DN5, Q206765
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is the inorganic compound with the formula Sb2O3.
It is the most important commercial compound of antimony.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is found in nature as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite.
Like most polymeric oxides, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) dissolves in aqueous solutions with hydrolysis.
A mixed arsenic-antimony oxide occurs in nature as the very rare mineral stibioclaudetite.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is a white powder and is derived from the mineral stibnite (antimony sulfide) or produced by the oxidation of antimony metal or as a byproduct of the refining or antimonial-lead alloys.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) sometimes behaves as a metal and sometimes as a non metal.
In the glass industry small percentages of Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) are used to remove bubbles in optical glass, to decolorize specialty glasses and as a stabilizing agent in the production of emerald green glass.
It is slightly fluxing in higher temperature glazes.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide), commonly known as antimony oxide or antimony trioxide, is an inorganic compound widely used as a functional additive in industrial applications.
It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder and is valued for its chemical stability and effectiveness at relatively low loadings.
The compound is most well known for its role in flame-retardant systems.
From a chemical perspective, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is a metal oxide of antimony in the +3 oxidation state.
It is not a single formulated product but a well-defined inorganic substance with a specific chemical identity.
Antimony trioxide has a distinct CAS number and is registered under various regulatory systems worldwide.
In industrial formulations, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is primarily used as a synergist for halogenated flame retardants.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) enhances flame-retardant efficiency by promoting char formation and inhibiting combustion reactions.
This allows manufacturers to achieve required fire performance with lower overall additive levels.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is widely applied in plastics, rubber, textiles, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is commonly found in PVC, rubber compounds, cable insulation, conveyor belts, and automotive components.
Its combination of flame-retardant synergy, thermal stability, and broad compatibility makes it a key additive in safety-critical materials.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is also used as a catalyst and catalyst component in certain chemical and polymerization processes.
It can promote specific reaction pathways and improve reaction efficiency in controlled systems.
These applications are typically specialized and carefully regulated.
In polymer processing, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is valued for its high thermal stability under typical manufacturing temperatures.
It does not readily decompose or volatilize during extrusion, molding, or calendering.
This ensures consistent performance throughout processing and end use.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) contributes to long-term durability and aging resistance of flame-retarded materials.
Its presence helps maintain flame-retardant performance over extended service life.
This is important for applications exposed to heat, mechanical stress, or environmental factors.
The compound is often used in combination with brominated or chlorinated flame retardants to achieve regulatory fire standards.
This synergistic effect allows lower dosages of halogenated additives while maintaining effectiveness.
As a result, material properties and cost efficiency can be optimized.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is subject to regulatory oversight due to antimony content.
Occupational exposure limits and handling guidelines are defined in many jurisdictions.
Manufacturers follow strict safety and exposure control measures when using antimony trioxide.
Melting point: 380 °C (decomposes) (lit.)
Density: 3.78 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Form: powder
Specific gravity: 3.8
Color: yellow
Water solubility: slightly soluble in water; slowly dissolves in warm HCl and warm KOH; insoluble in HNO₃
Merck: 14,698
Crystal system: monoclinic
Space group: C2/c
Sb2O3 (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.
Sb2O3 (Antimony 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.
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.
The structure of Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) depends on the temperature of the sample. Dimeric Sb4O6 is the high temperature (1560 °C) gas.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) molecules are bicyclic cages, similar to the related oxide of phosphorus(III), phosphorus trioxide.
The cage structure is retained in a solid that crystallizes in a cubic habit.
The Sb–O distance is 197.7 pm and the O–Sb–O angle of 95.6°.
This form exists in nature as the mineral senarmontite.
Above 606 °C, the more stable form is orthorhombic, consisting of pairs of -Sb-O-Sb-O- chains that are linked by oxide bridges between the Sb centers.
This form exists in nature as the mineral valentinite.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is also used as a pigment and opacifying agent in glass and ceramic industries.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) helps improve whiteness, opacity, and optical properties of glass formulations.
In some systems, it also contributes to improved chemical resistance.
In rubber and polymer processing, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is applied to maintain mechanical performance while meeting flame-retardant requirements.
It is compatible with many polymer matrices and does not significantly plasticize or weaken the material.
This allows retention of strength, elasticity, and durability in finished products.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) plays an important role in thermal stability and smoke suppression when used in flame-retardant systems.
It helps reduce heat release and slows flame propagation during combustion.
This contributes to improved fire safety performance of materials.
The compound is commonly supplied in fine powder form to ensure good dispersion in polymer and rubber matrices.
Uniform dispersion is critical for consistent flame-retardant efficiency and material performance.
Processing techniques are often optimized to avoid agglomeration of the particles.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is widely used in automotive, electrical, construction, and consumer goods applications.
Typical products include cables, housings, flooring materials, conveyor belts, and coated fabrics.
Its long history of use and proven effectiveness make it a standard flame-retardant synergist in many industries.
Uses Of Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide):
It is used as flame retardants in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, plastics, rubbers, paper and textiles.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) finds use as a flocculant in the production of titanium dioxide.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) also finds use in ion-exchange resin.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is also employed as catalyst in certain polymerization and oxidation reactions.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is used as a flame retardant for textile materials and as a source to prepare other antimony compounds.
The annual consumption of Sb2O3 (Antimony 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.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is used primarily as a synergist in flame-retardant systems for polymers and rubber materials.
It enhances the effectiveness of halogenated flame retardants by promoting char formation and inhibiting combustion reactions.
This allows materials to meet fire safety standards with lower overall additive content.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is widely used in plastics and rubber applications such as PVC, rubber compounds, cable insulation, conveyor belts, and molded components.
It helps maintain mechanical strength and flexibility while providing flame-retardant performance.
This makes it suitable for both flexible and rigid polymer systems.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is also used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and textiles that require improved fire resistance.
It contributes to reduced flame spread and lower heat release during burning.
These properties are important for construction, automotive, and electrical applications.
In addition, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is used in the glass and ceramics industry as an opacifying and refining agent.
It improves whiteness, clarity, and optical properties of specialty glass products.
This application benefits from its chemical stability and fine particle size.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is also used in electrical and electronic applications where fire safety is critical.
It is incorporated into wire and cable insulation, connectors, and electrical housings to improve flame resistance.
This helps reduce fire risk in electrical systems.
The compound is applied in automotive components such as interior plastics, under-the-hood parts, and rubber seals.
Its flame-retardant synergy allows compliance with strict automotive fire standards.
At the same time, it helps preserve mechanical durability of the components.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is used in coated fabrics and flexible laminates that require resistance to ignition and flame spread.
Examples include conveyor belts, protective coverings, and technical textiles.
These applications benefit from its compatibility with polymer coatings.
In polymer compounding, Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is employed to optimize cost and performance balance in flame-retardant formulations.
By increasing the efficiency of halogenated flame retardants, it reduces the total amount of additives needed.
This supports economical production while maintaining required safety levels.
Safety Profile Of Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide):
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) has suspected carcinogenic potential for humans.
Its TLV is 0.5 mg/m3, as for most antimony compounds.
Before 2021, no other human health hazards were identified for antimony(III) oxide, and no risks to human health and the environment were identified from the production and use of antimony trioxide in daily life.
However, the 15th Report on Carcinogens released on December 21, 2021, by the US Department of Health and Human Services categorised antimony(III) oxide as carcinogenic.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is classified as a hazardous substance due to its antimony content.
Prolonged or repeated exposure may pose health risks, particularly in occupational settings.
Appropriate risk management and exposure control measures are required during handling and use.
Inhalation of Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) dust is the primary health concern.
Breathing in dust over long periods may cause irritation of the respiratory tract and lungs.
Chronic inhalation exposure has been associated with adverse lung effects.
Skin contact with Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) may cause mild irritation, especially after prolonged exposure.
Eye contact with dust can lead to redness, discomfort, and mechanical irritation.
Protective gloves, safety glasses, and dust control measures are recommended.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is classified as a suspected carcinogen by some regulatory authorities based on inhalation exposure.
This classification mainly applies to occupational exposure to airborne dust.
Proper ventilation and dust suppression are essential to minimize risk.
Sb2O3 (Antimony Oxide) is not flammable, but dust may become airborne during handling.
At very high temperatures, decomposition may release toxic antimony-containing fumes.
