ANTIMONY(V) CHLORIDE

Description

Antimony pentachloride is a noncombustible,colorless to reddish-yellow oily liquid with an offensive odor.Molecular weight= 299.05; Boiling point= 77℃ (decomposes); Freezing/Melting point= 3℃; Specific gravity(H2O:1)= 2.354 at 20℃; Liquid surface tension= (estimate) 50.015 N/m at 20℃; Latent heat of vaporization=1.60 3 105 J/kg; Heat of solution=2 4.925 3 105 J/kg;Vapor pressure: 0.84 mmHg at 20℃. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): (solid or liquid)Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1. Decomposes on contact with water.

Chemical Properties

colourless to light yellow oily liquid

Chemical Properties

Antimony pentachloride is a noncombustible, colorless to reddish-yellow oily liquid with an offensive odor.

Physical properties

Antimony pentachloride is prepared by passing chlorine gas into molten antimony trichloride:
SbCl₃ + Cl₂ →SbCl₅
or by the reaction of the element with excess chlorine:
2 Sb + 5 Cl₂ → 2 SbCl₅.

Uses

Antimony(V) chloride is used as a catalyst and an analytical reagent for testing alkaloids and cesium. It is also used as a polymerization catalyst as well as involved in the chlorination of organic compounds. It acts as a Lewis acid and a strong oxidizing agent.

Uses

As catalyst when replacing a fluorine substituent with chlorine in organic compounds.

General Description

A reddish-yellow fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Fumes are irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Solidifies at 37°F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make other chemicals, and in chemical analysis.

Air & Water Reactions

Fumes in air to form hydrochloric acid. Reacts with water to yield heat and antimony pentaoxide (Sb2O5) and hydrochloric acid [Merck 11th ed. 1989].

Reactivity Profile

Acidic salts, such as ANTIMONY PENTACHLORIDE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

Hazard

Corrosive, fumes in moist air, reacts strongly with organics.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Contact of liquid with eyes or skin causes severe burns. Ingestion causes vomiting and severe burns of mouth and stomach. Overexposure by any route can cause bloody stools, slow pulse, low blood pressure, coma, convulsions, cardiac arrest.

Fire Hazard

Behavior in Fire: Irritating fumes of hydrogen chloride given off when water or foam is used to extinguish adjacent fire.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Corrosive. Mutation data reported. See ANTIMONY COMPOUNDS and ANTIMONYPII) CHLORIDE. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cland Sb.

Potential Exposure

It is used in dyeing, coloring metals and in many organic chemical reactions as a catalyst.

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. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, 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 conscious, 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 orauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.

storage

(1) Color Code—White: Corrosive or ContactHazard; Store separately in a corrosion-resistant location.(2) Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in asecure poison location. Prior to working with this chemicalyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage.Antimony pentachloride must be stored to avoid contactwith organic or combustible materials (such as wood,paper, and oil) since violent reactions occur. See incompatibilities. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from water or moisture and heat.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or storedin a manner that could create a potential fire or explosionhazard.

Shipping

UN1730 (liquid) Antimony pentachloride, liquid, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material. UN1731 (solution) Antimony pentachloride, solutions, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.

Incompatibilities

Decomposes on contact with heat, acids, alkalis, ammonia, water or other forms of moisture producing fumes of hydrogen chloride and antimony. Decomposes above 77 C forming chlorine and antimony trichloride. Attacks many metals in the presence of moisture forming explosive hydrogen gas. Reacts with air forming corrosive vapors.

Waste Disposal

Encapsulate and transfer to an approve landfill. If chemically treated and neutralized, the chemical is amenable to biological treatment at municipal sewage treatment plant. 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.