Antimony (Sb Element)

Antimony

Symbol	Sb
Atomic Number	51
Atomic Mass	121.760 g.mol -1
Discovery	approx 1600 BC

Chemical Properties of Antimony

What is Antimony?

• Antimony is a semi-metallic chemical element with an atomic number 51 and symbol Sb in the Periodic Table.
• The Latin name of Antimony is Stibium. It is generally found in two forms namely metallic form and non-metallic form.
• Antimony compounds are used since ancient times as a component in cosmetics.
• It is naturally found in Earth’s crust in the ores of valentinite and stibnite.

Uses of Antimony

• Pure antimony is used in the manufacturing of certain semiconductors like infrared detectors and diodes.
• It is used to harden lead and increase its durability.
• Batteries consist of antimony for smooth functioning.
• It is also used to make small arms & bullets.
• It is a very good flame retardant.

Properties of Antimony

• The metallic form appears in a bright silver colour brittle and non-metallic form will appear as the grey powder.
• It is a weak conductor of electricity and heat. The special feature of antimony and its alloys is that they expand on cooling.

Certain Health Facts About Antimony

• It is toxic but does not have any harmful effects.
• But constant exposure to this may cause some diseases like lung diseases, heart problems, and stomach ulcers.
• Harmful effects of antimony upon body tissues and functions can occur following inhalation or ingestion of certain compounds of antimony. Such poisoning resembles arsenic poisoning.
• Antimony poisoning has resulted from drinking acidic fruit juices containing antimony oxide dissolved from the glaze of enamelware containers.
• The major toxic side effects of antimony as a result of therapy are cardiotoxicity and pancreatitis which is seen commonly in HIV and visceral leishmaniasis coinfections.

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