Antimony: Characteristics, Reactions, Properties, Uses, Effects

Antimony is defined as a metalloid, that is it possesses both the property of metals and nonmetals. It is placed in the 15th group that is the nitrogen group in the periodic table. It is a semi-metallic chemical animal and it is usually present in two different forms that are the metallic form and the non-metallic form. The metallic form of this element is found to be bright and silvery in nature but the non-metallic form of this element is found in the form of grey powder. This element is considered to be a poor conductor of electricity as it does not contain electricity and it is a highly resistive element. Antimony is found to be stable in the dryer and it is not attacked by any of the acids and bases that are present in the environment.

This element is found to exist in the form of ores such as Valentinite ore. Antimony is found to be a poor conductor of heat. This element is found to expand whenever this metal is cooled down.

Characteristics Of Antimony

• This metal is a silvery white in structure.

• This metal poses a density similar to nitrogen.

• It is a metalloid element.

• It tarnishes and oxidizes in the dry air.

Physical And Chemical Properties Of Antimony

• The atomic number of this element is 51.

• Number of protons present in this element is 51.

• Atomic symbol of this element is Sb

• Atomic mass of this element is 102.

• Density of this element is 6.68 grams per cubic centimetre.

• Element antimony is found to be existing in the solid phase at room temperature.

• Its melting point was first found to be 1167.13 °F.

• Its boiling point was found to be 1587 °C.

• It poses approximately 2 different isotopes.

• The stable isotope of this element is Sb- 7.

Reaction Of Antimony

• It is a highly malleable metal that can be written into thin sheets.

• It is a highly ductile metal which can be drawn into thin wires.

• As observed, americium is not a good conductor of electricity.

• This element reacts with the halogen group.

• This element reacts with the fluorine and leads to the formation of SbF3

• Antimony (III) shows a reaction with ammonia to precipitate out white colour Sb(OH)3.

• Sodium hydroxide precipitates out the antimony hydroxide which is amphoteric in nature, that is it shows the characteristic of both acidic and basic environments.

• When the moderate acidic condition is given that hydrogen sulfide is used to precipitate out the red colour antimony sulfide.

• In presence of excess the water is given to the solution of antimony chloride in the presence of acids such as hydrochloric acid leads to the formation of white colour insoluble salt termed as the antimony oxychloride SbOCl.

• When hydrochloric acid is given to the antimony metal then iron will reduce the empty money metal and now the antimony metal will be deposited as the black particles.

Position Of Antimony That Is Given In The Periodic Table

Antimony is placed in the 15th group of the periodic table. It is placed in the fifth-period of the periodic table. It is located in the group of nitrogen elements and it is located below the nitrogen, phosphorus and arsenic element. This element poses the five electrons in its valence shell. This element shows many similar properties with that of the arsenic. It is a metalloid that possesses the property of both metals and non-metal. So it is shown by a different colour line in between the metals and nonmetals.

It is defined as a silver-bluish metalloid as it can Bond easily with the metals and this increases its overall strength.

It is defined to be as a semiconductor and can be used in electronics.

Uses Of Antimony

There are many different uses of antimony

• Pure antimony plays a very important role in the manufacture of many different semiconductors.

• The antimony is also used in the preparation of the diodes

• Antimony is used to harden the lead.

• Antimony is used to make some of the batteries which is helpful for the smooth functioning of the batteries

• It is also used to make this small arms and the bullets

• Antimony is regarded as the good flame retarded.

Toxic Effects Of Antimony Element:

• Although antimony is considered to be the toxic element, it does not show any harmful effects.

• It can cause some diseases like lung diseases and also stomach ulcers.

• If we inhale antimony for a longer period of time then it can damage the tissue functioning.

• It also leads to arsenic poisoning.

• When we drink acidic fruit juice then it contains some of the antimony oxide and it is responsible for damage to the heart.