Antimony oxychloride, known since the 15th century, has been known by a plethora of alchemical names. Since the compound functions as both an

emetic Vomiting (also known as emesis and throwing up) is the involuntary, forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose. Vomiting can be the result of ailments like food poisoning, gastroenteri ...

and a

laxative Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubri ...

, it was originally used as a purgative.

History

Its production was first described by

Basil Valentine Basil Valentine is the Anglicised version of the name Basilius Valentinus, ostensibly a 15th-century alchemy, alchemist, possibly Canon (priest), Canon of the Benedictine Priory of Saint Peter in Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany but more likely a pseudon ...

in Currus Triumphalis Antimonii. In 1659

Johann Rudolf Glauber Johann Rudolf Glauber (10 March 1604 – 16 March 1670) was a German-Dutch alchemy, alchemist and chemist. Some historians of science have described him as one of the first chemical engineers. His discovery of sodium sulfate in 1625 led to t ...

gave a relatively exact chemical interpretation of the reaction. Vittorio Algarotti introduced the substance into medicine, and derivatives of his name (algarot, algoroth) were associated with this compound for many years. The exact composition was unknown for a very long time. The suggestion of SbOCl being a mixture of antimony trichloride and antimony oxide or pure SbOCl were raised. Today the hydrolysis of antimony trichloride is understood; first the SbOCl oxychloride is formed which later forms Sb₄O₅Cl₂.

Natural occurrence

Neither SbOCl nor the latter compound occur naturally. However, onoratoite is a known Sb-O-Cl mineral, its composition being Sb₈Cl₂O₁₁.

Alternative historical names

* mercurius vitæ ("mercury of life") * powder of algaroth * algarel * Pulvis angelicus.

Synthesis

Dissolving

antimony trichloride Antimony trichloride is the chemical compound with the formula SbCl3. It is a soft colorless solid with a pungent odor and was known to alchemists as butter of antimony. Preparation Antimony trichloride is prepared by reaction of chlorine with an ...

in water yields antimony oxychloride: :SbCl₃ + H₂O → SbOCl + 2 HCl

History

Natural occurrence

Alternative historical names

Synthesis

References

Further reading