Antimony(III) sulfate explained

Antimony sulfate, Sb2(SO4)3, is a hygroscopic salt formed by reacting antimony or its compounds with hot sulfuric acid. It is used in doping of semiconductors and in the production of explosives and fireworks.[1]

Structure

Antimony(III) sulfate consists of interconnected SbO6 octahedra, which the corners are bonded to the sulfate ion.[2]

Production

Antimony(III) sulfate was first produced in 1827 by the reaction of antimony(III) oxide and 18 molar sulfuric acid at 200 °C:

The concentration of the sulfuric acid is important, as a lower concentration will produce basic antimony oxides, while a higher concentration will produce antimony(III) pyrosulfate. The reaction of elemental antimony and 18 M sulfuric acid will also produce antimony(III) sulfate:

Chemical properties

Antimony sulfate is deliquescent, hydrolyzing in moist air and water, producing various basic antimony oxides and antimony(III) oxide. It is soluble in acids.[1] [3]

Uses

Owing to its solubility, antimony sulfate has uses in the doping of semiconductors.[4] It is also used for coating anodes in electrolysis and in the production of explosives and fireworks.[1]

Safety

Antimony(III) sulfate causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.[5]

Natural occurrence

Natural analogue of the exact compound is yet unknown. However, basic hydrated Sb sulfates are known as the minerals klebelsbergite[6] [7] and coquandite.[8] [7]

Notes and References

  1. Herbst, Karl Albert et al. (1985) Antimony and antimony compounds in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 5th ed., vol. A3, p. 70. .
  2. R. Mercier . J. Douglade . J. Bernard . Structure cristalline de Sb2O3.3SO3 . Acta Crystallographica Section B . 1976 . 32 . 10 . 2787–2791 . 10.1107/S0567740876008881 . fr.
  3. Book: Nicholas C. Norman. Chemistry of arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. 31 December 1997. Springer. 978-0-7514-0389-3. 193–.
  4. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2008/0156651.html Method of forming phase change layer, method of manufacturing a storage node using the same, and method of manufacturing phase change memory device using the same – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
  5. http://prochemonline.com/upload/MSDS/1136.Antimony(III)Sulfate.pdf Antimony(III) Sulfate Material Safety Data Sheet
  6. Web site: Klebelsbergite.
  7. Web site: List of Minerals. 21 March 2011.
  8. Web site: Coquandite.