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Chemical name: Antimony(III) chloride
CAS number: 10025-91-9
Common names: Antimony trichloride, butter of antimony
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Pungent, similar to hydrochloric acid
Main use: Laboratory reagent, catalyst in synthetic reactions, detection of vitamin A, involved in some dye production processes
Health hazards: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; shortness of breath, severe burns on contact, gastrointestinal distress after ingestion
Environmental hazards: Toxic for aquatic organisms, possible long-term effects in aquatic environments
Other hazards: Fumes can become irritating quickly, especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces; reacts strongly with water and moist air, releasing hydrochloric acid
Substance: Antimony(III) chloride
Formula: SbCl3
Purity: Usually above 98% in technical and laboratory settings
Dangerous impurities: Traces of antimony oxychloride or hydrochloric acid may sometimes be present, especially in old or improperly stored material
Skin contact: Flush affected skin immediately with large amounts of running water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact: Rinse eyes continuously with water for many minutes, hold eyelids apart to wash underneath, seek urgent medical attention
Inhalation: Move person outdoors, offer fresh air, support breathing if required, call for medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth well, do not induce vomiting, give small amounts of water if the person is alert, seek medical help swiftly; symptoms may be delayed and can be severe
Suitable extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or sand; never use water directly since it reacts violently
Specific hazards: Decomposition can produce toxic fumes, including hydrochloric acid and antimony oxides
Protective equipment for firefighters: Chemical-resistant gear with self-contained breathing apparatus required in enclosed or smoky situations; the fumes from burning or overheating often cause serious lung and eye irritation
Special notes: Containers exposed to heat may rupture, so remove them if it’s safe
Personal precautions: Ventilate area, avoid inhaling dust or fumes, keep unprotected people away
Spill cleanup: Absorb spillage with sand or inert material, careful manual cleanup with gloves and protective eyewear; avoid cleaning with water
Environmental precautions: Block entry to sewers or drains; small quantities spread easily so work slowly to minimize dust; collect waste in secure, labeled containers for proper disposal
Decontamination: Any spill site should be washed with dilute sodium carbonate or other neutralizer to minimize remaining acid traces
Handling: Always use gloves and tightly fitting goggles, keep operations involving open containers in a fume hood, avoid breathing vapors, and do not touch face or exposed skin before washing hands
Storage: Store away from moisture in well-sealed, corrosion-resistant containers; position away from food, body care items, and combustible substances
Segregation: Keep well away from bases and water sources; containers should remain upright and tightly closed
Maintenance: Regularly check containers for leaks or corrosion, and avoid returning unused material to the storage jar
Workplace ventilation: Use fume hoods, local exhaust, or outdoor working spaces to reduce vapor accumulation
Engineering safeguards: Safety showers and eye wash stations should stand nearby, all chemical work best completed behind splash guards
Personal protection: Wear acid-proof gloves, long-sleeved lab coats, safety goggles with side protection, and a suitable respirator if ventilation even slightly insufficient
Hygiene tips: Wash hands and face before breaks, no food or drink in work areas; contaminated clothing needs isolation and washing before reuse
Physical form: Solid, volatile at moderate temperatures
Color: Nearly white to faintly yellow
Melting point: Around 73°C (163°F)
Boiling point: Roughly 223°C (433°F)
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water with strong reaction, very soluble in hydrochloric acid and alcohol
Vapor pressure: Not high at room temperature, but fumes still cause noticeable effects
Odor threshold: Strong acidic smell at low levels—enough to prompt immediate caution in most users
Chemical stability: Unstable in humid air or water; breaks down and releases hydrochloric acid on contact with moisture
Incompatible materials: Strong bases, oxidizing agents, active metals, sources of water or moisture
Dangerous reactions: Rapid, violent hydrolysis; generates heat and acidic mists rapidly
Decomposition products: Toxic antimony compounds and large amounts of corrosive hydrochloric acid vapor
Acute exposure: Skin burns, rashes, blisters; eye contact damages cornea; inhalation irritates lungs with the potential for pulmonary edema or bronchial spasm; ingestion leads to cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, organ damage in serious cases
Chronic exposure: Prolonged inhalation or skin absorption builds up antimony in the body, affecting liver, heart, or lungs over time; reported to produce anemia and other blood disorders
Routes of entry: Absorbed through inhalation, skin contact, and swallowing; accidental splashes often present bigger risks than airborne dust in day-to-day work
Environmental impact: Toxic to many kinds of aquatic life; spills may persist in water, damaging organisms with little breakdown over time
Bioaccumulation: Antimony compounds tend to accumulate in fish and invertebrates
Mobility: Moves through soil and water systems easily, particularly in acidic environments
Large release risk: Long-lasting damage possible in rivers and lakes; proper containment during use and disposal forms the best barrier against local environmental effects
Waste handling: Gather waste in sealed, clearly labeled, corrosion-resistant containers; treat as hazardous; never pour down sinks, drains, or regular trash
Destruction method: Specialized chemical incineration preferred; disposal should respect all relevant regulations and local waste rules
Cleanup materials: Any solid absorbents used in spill response require the same strict disposal, stored away from normal chemical trash
Classification: Treated as a dangerous good, corrosive solid, UN number designated for antimony trichloride
Shipping precautions: Good outer packaging, clear hazard labels, must keep containers upright and protected from water
Emergency response: Carriers trained for acid spills, portable spill control and neutralization kits recommended for larger shipments
Occupational limits: Exceeding packaging or volume guidelines often triggers stricter regulatory controls and documentation during transport
Chemical handling: Falls under chemical safety laws in most regions, included in workplace exposure monitoring programs
Labeling: Strict hazard labeling for corrosivity and acute toxicity required
Occupational standards: Time-weighted averages for antimony exposure set by occupational health agencies; regular monitoring of air and work surfaces recommended
Reporting requirements: Any large spillage or release triggers notification to environmental protection authorities; disposal companies expect manifest paperwork and proof of safe handling
