Antimony (Sb)

General Information

• Symbol: Sb
• Atomic Number: 51
• Atomic Weight: 121.760 u
• Element Category: Metalloid
• Group: 15
• Period: 5
• Block: p-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Silvery-white, brittle solid
• Density: 6.697 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 630.63 °C (1167.13 °F)
• Boiling Point: 1587 °C (2889 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³
• Oxidation States: +5, +3 (most common), -3

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Stable in air at room temperature; reacts with halogens and concentrated acids.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃), antimony pentachloride (SbCl₅), and antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃).

Uses and Applications

• Flame Retardants: Used in flame-proofing compounds.
• Alloys: Combined with lead to increase hardness and mechanical strength in batteries and bearings.
• Semiconductors: Used in semiconductors, specifically in diodes and infrared detectors.
• Medicine: Historically used in medicine; currently used in some treatments for parasitic infections.
• Glass and Ceramics: Used in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics for its color and properties.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found primarily in the mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃).
• Extraction: Extracted from stibnite through roasting and reduction processes.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Antimony-121 and Antimony-123
• Radioactive Isotopes: Several radioactive isotopes, including Antimony-124 and Antimony-125, used in scientific research.

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Toxic and potentially carcinogenic; can cause skin and eye irritation, and respiratory problems if inhaled.
• Precautions: Handle with care using appropriate protective equipment to avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.

History

• Discovery: Known since ancient times; used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans.
• Name Origin: The name “Antimony” is derived from the Greek words “anti” and “monos,” meaning “not alone,” and its symbol “Sb” comes from the Latin word “stibium.”

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Rhombohedral
• Magnetic Properties: Diamagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: Low, about 24.4 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: About 417 nΩ·m at room temperature

Summary

Antimony is a metalloid with significant applications in flame retardants, alloys, semiconductors, and glass production. Found primarily in the mineral stibnite, it is extracted through roasting and reduction processes. Despite its usefulness, antimony is toxic and requires careful handling. Its historical significance and diverse applications make it an important element in various industries.

40 Question and Answer Pairs About Antimony

1. What is the atomic number of Antimony?

   • 51

2. What is the symbol for Antimony?

   • Sb

3. What is the atomic weight of Antimony?

   • 121.760 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Antimony found?

   • Group 15

5. What period is Antimony in?

   • Period 5

6. What block does Antimony belong to?

   • p-block

7. What is the melting point of Antimony?

   • 630.63 °C (1167.13 °F)

8. What is the boiling point of Antimony?

   • 1587 °C (2889 °F)

9. What is the density of Antimony?

   • 6.697 g/cm³

10. What is the electron configuration of Antimony?

    • [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³

11. What are the common oxidation states of Antimony?

    • +5, +3, -3

12. What is the appearance of Antimony?

    • Silvery-white, brittle solid

13. Is Antimony reactive with air?

    • Stable in air at room temperature

14. Name a compound of Antimony.

    • Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃)

15. What is a common use of Antimony in flame retardants?

    • Used in flame-proofing compounds

16. How is Antimony used in alloys?

    • Combined with lead to increase hardness and strength in batteries and bearings

17. What role does Antimony play in semiconductors?

    • Used in diodes and infrared detectors

18. How is Antimony used in medicine?

    • Used in some treatments for parasitic infections

19. What application does Antimony have in glass production?

    • Used for its color and properties in certain types of glass and ceramics

20. Name a mineral that contains Antimony.

    • Stibnite (Sb₂S₃)

21. How is Antimony extracted from ores?

    • Through roasting and reduction processes

22. What is the most stable isotope of Antimony?

    • Antimony-121

23. Name a radioactive isotope of Antimony used in research.

    • Antimony-124

24. What safety hazard is associated with Antimony?

    • Toxic and potentially carcinogenic

25. How should Antimony be handled?

    • With care, using appropriate protective equipment

26. How long has Antimony been known to humans?

    • Since ancient times

27. Where does the name Antimony come from?

    • From the Greek words “anti” and “monos,” meaning “not alone”

28. What is the crystal structure of Antimony?

    • Rhombohedral

29. Is Antimony paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Diamagnetic

30. What is the thermal conductivity of Antimony?

    • About 24.4 W/m·K

31. What is the electrical resistivity of Antimony at room temperature?

    • About 417 nΩ·m

32. What is the primary oxidation state of Antimony?

    • +3

33. Is Antimony found as a free element in nature?

    • No, it is found in ores like stibnite

34. What is the common name of antimony trioxide?

    • Sb₂O₃

35. What is a major application of antimony pentachloride (SbCl₅)?

    • Used in chemical synthesis and as a catalyst

36. How does Antimony benefit flame retardants?

    • By enhancing flame-proofing properties

37. What is the boiling point of Antimony in Kelvin?

    • 1860 K

38. What group does Antimony belong to in the periodic table?

    • Metalloids

39. What is the natural abundance of Antimony-121?

    • About 57.21%

40. Can Antimony be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, in specific alloys and flame retardants