Description
Antimony trifluoride is a noncombustible,odorless, white to gray crystalline solid. Molecularweight= 178.75; Specific gravity= 4.38 at 21℃ (solid);Boiling point= 376℃; Freezing/Melting point= 292℃;Vapor pressure= 3 mmHg at 17℃. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
white to grey crystalline powder
Chemical Properties
Antimony trifluoride is a noncombustible,
odorless, white to gray crystalline solid.
Uses
Antimony(III) fluoride is used as a reagent in inorganic and organofluorine chemistry. It acts as a fluorination reagent and electroplating agent. Further, it is used in the preparation of dye, pottery, porcelains, ceramic enamels and glazes. It is utilized in the preparation of Freon.
Uses
To catalyze fluorinations by HF, manufacture of chlorofluorides, in dyeing, usually in form of double salts, e.g., antimony sodium fluoride or antimony fluoride and ammonium sulfate double salt, manufacture of pottery and porcelains.
General Description
Antimony trifluoride solution is the white to gray crystalline solid dissolved in water. Antimony trifluoride is corrosive to metals and tissue. Antimony trifluoride is used in ceramics and to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Water slowly hydrolyzes antimony fluoride to form antimony (III) oxide. The dry powdered oxide ignites on heating in air [Mellor Vol. 9 425.1939].
Reactivity Profile
ANTIMONY TRIFLUORIDE is a colorless, solid compound, toxic and corrosive. When heated to decomposition, Antimony trifluoride emits very toxic fumes of fluoride and metallic antimony [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 83].
Hazard
Strong irritant to eyes and skin.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Safety Profile
Poison by
subcutaneous route. Corrosive to skin and
eyes. See also FLUORIDES and
ANTIMONY COMPOUNDS. When
heated to decomposition it emits very toxic
fumes of Fand Sb
Potential Exposure
It is used in dyeing; to make porcelain
and pottery; and as a fluorinating agent.
First aid
his chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immedi ately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immedi ately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precau tions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is con scious, administer water or milk. Do not induce vomiting.Medical observation is recommended for 24°48 h afterbreathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or254 Antimony trifluorideauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store ina secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemicalyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilatedarea away from heat.
Shipping
UN1549 Antimony compounds, inorganic, solid,
n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials,
Technical Name Required.
Purification Methods
It crystallises from MeOH to remove oxide and oxyfluoride, then it is sublimed under vacuum in an aluminium cup on to a water-cooled copper condenser. Its solubility is 443g/100g in H2O at 20o and 562g/100g in H2O at 30o with partial hydrolysis. [Woolf J Chem Soc 279 1955, Kwasnik in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chem (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 199 1963].
Incompatibilities
Hot perchloric acid.
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing
storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.
