Description
Antimony potassium tartrate is an odorless,colorless, crystalline material, or white powder with asweetish, metallic taste. Molecular weight= 635.88;Specific gravity (H2O:1)= 2.6. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 2,Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water; solution isslightly acidic.
Chemical Properties
colourless crystals
Chemical Properties
Antimony potassium tartrate is an odorless,
colorless, crystalline material or white powder with a
sweetish, metallic taste.
Uses
Potassium antimonyl tartrate trihydrate is used in chemical therapy treatment of Leishmania guyanensis and Leishmania braziliensis however may be susceptible to antimony resistance.
Uses
As mordant in the textile and leather industry.
Uses
Potassium antimonyl tartrate trihydrate was employed as an Sb(III)-containing drug to investigate its ability to induce cell death associated with DNA fragmentation in axenic amastigotes of
Leishmania infantumIt may also be used as a standard solution to determine the metalloid concentration such as Sb(III) and Sb(V) in surface soil, using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS).
Production Methods
Tartar emetic is commercially produced by neutralising antimony trioxide (derived from stibnite ore roasting and reduction) with tartaric acid in hot water, followed by addition of potassium hydroxide or carbonate to precipitate the double salt, which is then recrystallised from aqueous solution to produce the substance.
General Description
Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate solid is a colorless crystalline solid or a white powder. Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate is soluble in water. Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate is used in textile and leather processing and as an insecticide.
Air & Water Reactions
Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate effloresces on exposure to air. Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate reacts with tannic acid, alkalis and their carbonates, lead salts, astringent infusions (cinchona, rhubarb, etc.), acacia, antipyrene and mercury bichloride. Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate also reacts with acids, salts of heavy metals, albumins, soap and tannins. Potassium antimonyl tartrate sesquihydrate can react with strong oxidizing agents. .
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes inflammation of membranes of nose and throat, upper respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness. Ingestion causes gastrointestinal upset, strong irritation, vomiting. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation. Further symptoms of exposure include nervous complaints (i.e., irritability, dizziness, muscular and neurological pain).
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
Mechanism of action
It distrupts metabolism interfering with essential biological processes, leading to toxicity and mortality in insects.
Safety Profile
Human poison by
intravenous route, producing liver and
kidney changes, somnolence, dyspnea, and
pupillary dilation. Poison by ingestion,
subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular,
and intraperitoneal routes. Large doses cause
severe liver damage. Human mutation data
reported. Used medicinally, the therapeutic
dose is close to the toxic dose. Upon
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O
and Sb.
Potential Exposure
It is used in medicine; textile and
leather dyeing; as an insecticide.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, getmedical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Medical observation is recommended for 24°48 h afterbreathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orauthorized 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 potassium tartrate, Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from water (3mL/g) between 100o and 0o. Dry it at 100o. [Chinoporos & Papathanosopolos J Phys Chem 65 1643 1961, Beilstein 3 III 1014, 3 IV 1227.]
Incompatibilities
Solution will react with alkaline
materials.
Toxics Screening Level
The ITSL for antimony potassium tartrate is 5 μg/m3 based on an 8 hour averaging time.
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.
Pesticide Type
Insecticide
