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Sb 22 Oxychloride

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Due to their radioactivity, antimony-124 and antimony-125 are used as tracers. For example, antimony-124 is used in oil pipelines, where its movement can be traced. This is particularly useful as it can help to identify leaks, if the tracer moves out from the pipe (Chemistry explained, n.d.). Uses Highly purified antimony plays an important role in semiconductor technology, specifically for diodes and infrared detectors that react to infrared radiation (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2009). Antimony is commonly used to make allows and perhaps the most notable are lead-antimony alloys which have various uses. These uses include solder, ammunition, fishing tackle, covering for electric cables and batteries (Chemistry explained, n.d.). Compounds Compounds of antimony that are used include antimony oxychloride (SbOCl), antimony pentoxide (Sb 22 O55), antimony trichloride (SbCl3), and antimony trioxide (Sb22 O33 ) (Chemistry explained, n.d.). Antimony trioxide is commonly used in paints and well as various textiles, rubber and plastics allowing them to become flame retardant. An organic salt of antimony known as tartar emetic is used to help bind dyes to fabrics, making it important in the textile industry (Encyclopedia Britannica, …show more content…

It is semi-metallic, existing in both a metallic form which is silvery, hard and brittle, and in a non-metallic form. When it is in this form it is a grey powder (Lenntech, n.d.). Antimony is a metalloid, therefore it has the characteristics of metals and non-metals. As a material it is fairly soft and able to be scratched by glass. It has a density of 6.68 grams per cubic centimetre. As for its chemical properties, antimony is described as moderately active and does not combine with oxygen in the air. Antimony does not react with cold water or acids, however, it does dissolve in some hot acids. It is also a poor conductor of heat and electricity (Jefferson Lab,

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