Antimony sulfate, Sb
2(SO
4)
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.
[
]
Structure
Solid antimony sulfate contains infinite ladders of SO4 tetrahedra and SbO3 pyramids sharing corners. It is often described as a mixed oxide, Sb2O3.3SO3.
Chemical properties
Antimony sulfate is sometimes called a "salt" as it can be produced from the reaction of antimony and sulfuric acid, but antimony does not form a nitrate when dissolved in nitric acid, (an oxidising acid) but produces a mixture of antimony oxides, and this contrasts with bismuth
Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a post-transition metal and one of the pnictogens, with chemical properties resembling its lighter group 15 siblings arsenic and antimony. Elemental bismuth occurs ...
which dissolves in both acids to form salts.deliquescent
Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules via either absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature. If water molecules become suspended among the substance' ...
, and soluble in acids. It can be prepared by dissolving antimony, antimony trioxide, antimony trisulfide
Antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) is found in nature as the crystalline mineral stibnite and the amorphous red mineral (actually a mineraloid) metastibnite. It is manufactured for use in safety matches, military ammunition, explosives and fireworks. It ...
or antimony oxychloride
Antimony oxychloride, known since the 15th century, has been known by a plethora of alchemical names. Since the compound functions as both an emetic and a laxative, it was originally used as a purgative.
History
Its production was first describ ...
in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid.
Uses
Owing to its solubility, antimony sulfate has uses in the doping of semiconductor
A semiconductor is a material which has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass. Its resistivity falls as its temperature rises; metals behave in the opposite way. ...
s. It is also used for coating anode
An anode is an electrode of a polarized electrical device through which conventional current enters the device. This contrasts with a cathode, an electrode of the device through which conventional current leaves the device. A common mnemonic ...
s in electrolysis and in the production of explosives and fireworks.[
]
Safety
Antimony(III) sulfate causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.[Antimony(III) Sulfate Material Safety Data Sheet](_blank)
. Prochemonline.
Natural occurrence
Natural analogue of the exact compound is yet unknown. However, basic hydrated Sb sulfates are known as the minerals klebelsbergite
References
Antimony(III) compounds
Sulfates
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