Chemical Name: Antimony(III) Acetate
Chemical Formula: C6H9O6Sb
Common Uses: Utilized in research labs, sometimes in the synthesis of ceramics or as a catalyst.
Physical Appearance: Typically appears as a white solid powder, and it tends to draw moisture from the air.
Odor: Usually odorless; inhaling dust should be avoided owing to potential toxicity.
Molecular Weight: Approximately 339.87 g/mol
Main Hazards: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin; possible carcinogen; target organ toxicity primarily affecting the liver, heart, and respiratory system.
Symptoms: May cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irritates eyes and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure could harm the liver or cause lung irritation.
Signal Words/Symbols: Warning symbols include the exclamation mark and health hazard icons.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and eye contact.
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to antimony poisoning, presenting with skin rash, chronic fatigue, and in severe cases, organ damage.
Main Component: Antimony(III) Acetate
Percentage: Pure product, usually >98% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of related antimony salts sometimes occur, always below toxic thresholds.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Breathing difficulty means get medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with plenty of water and soap.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes. If irritation persists, contact a physician.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention quickly.
General Tips: Be prompt and avoid delay. Use personal protective equipment while assisting others.
Flammability: Not flammable, but may decompose when heated, releasing toxic antimony oxides and acetic acid vapors.
Extinguishing Agents: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide on surrounding fire. Water can cause splattering.
Protective Gear: Firefighters need self-contained breathing equipment and chemical-resistant clothing.
Hazards from Combustion: Toxic fumes, especially antimony oxides, can develop from the breakdown of this salt.
Spill Response: Evacuate area, ventilate space. Wear appropriate PPE before responding.
Containment: Sweep up without creating dust and collect in sealed containers for disposal.
Decontamination: Wash spill site with soap and water after material removal.
Environmental Release: Prevent product from entering drains, soil, or water systems, as it poses ecological hazards.
Handling Precautions: Use inside fume hoods or areas with strong ventilation; minimize dust generation.
Personal Protection: Always wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Protect from moisture.
Incompatibles: Avoid contact with strong acids, strong oxidizers, and incompatible metals.
Engineering Controls: Work in chemical fume hoods or with local exhaust ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Lab coat, gloves (nitrile or neoprene), chemical splash goggles, and, if powder becomes airborne, a suitable respirator.
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits for antimony compounds in many countries suggest a threshold of 0.5 mg/m³ over an 8-hour shift; exposure above this increases health risks.
Appearance: Powder, white or slightly off-white in color
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Data sparse, but generally decomposes rather than melts cleanly.
Solubility: Soluble in water, which favors use in solution-based chemistry.
Stability: Stable under normal lab conditions if kept dry.
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Tends to be around 2.5 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage.
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizing agents; can hydrolyze in moist air to form antimony hydroxide and acetic acid.
Hazardous Decomposition: Decomposes to antimony oxides and acetic acid when heated or burned.
Incompatibility: Avoid acid chlorides, anhydrides, strong acids, and strong bases.
Acute Toxicity: Swallowing or inhaling even small amounts sometimes leads to nausea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, headache, and vomiting.
Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure impacts the lungs, heart, and liver. Symptoms include persistent cough, weakness, skin eruptions, and damage to blood-forming organs.
Carcinogenicity: Antimony compounds show possible links with cancer, although evidence in humans varies. Regulatory agencies flag prolonged exposure as hazardous.
Sensitization: Repeated skin contact sometimes leads to dermatitis or allergic reactions.
Routes of Entry: Skin absorption, inhalation, ingestion, and direct eye contact.
Environmental Impact: Harmful to aquatic life. Persistent in the environment and accumulates in soil and water.
Bioaccumulation: Antimony compounds persist and can accumulate in living tissue, potentially entering the food web.
Toxicity to Fish and Wildlife: Lethal to fish in moderate concentrations. Also causes growth inhibition in some aquatic plants.
Degradability: Breaks down slowly; environmental release ought to be avoided as cleanup is complex.
Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste. Deliver remains and contaminated items to authorized hazardous waste facilities.
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate packaging or dispose of with product waste.
Avoid Release: Never pour solutions containing antimony acetate into sinks or natural waterways.
Shipping Classification: Classified as hazardous for both land and air transport. Regulations demand clear labeling and complete documentation.
Handling Instructions: Secure packaging to prevent leaks or spills. Vehicles should be ventilated.
Incompatibles: Do not ship with food or animal feed products.
Workplace Safety: Enforced exposure limits for antimony exist in many countries and sites with frequent use should monitor airborne concentrations.
Environmental Protection: Strict rules govern environmental contamination, including reporting requirements for spills above threshold amounts.
Labeling: National and international labeling laws require hazard pictograms and risk advice on all containers.
Occupational Health: Safety training for users is generally mandatory and regular health checks may be needed for workers exposed on a routine basis.