Introduction
Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number of 51. It belongs to the representative elements on the periodic table, and is a metalloid in the 15th group and 4th period. It has a silver-gray crystalline solid appearance, but it can also be present in both elemental and compound forms. Antimony is most recognized in its trioxide form, Sb2O3, but in different formulae, it can be a colorless, odorless substance.
History
Antimony has been known since ancient times, when it was found in deposits in Turkey, China, and Greece. The ancient Egyptians used antimony sulfide in eye make-up, and the Saudis used antimony in their glassware. It was also used in ancient alchemy due to its ability to react with various elements. Antimony was also used during the Middle Ages for alloying gold and silver coins. In the late 18th century, Antimony was discovered in its crystal form, which made it possible to purify the metal, and it was found to have similar properties to arsenic and bismuth.
Uses
Antimony has a variety of uses in modern society. In metal alloys, it can be used to improve hardenability, strength, and resistance to wear. It is used in metal storage batteries, and as a flame retardant, which is an important feature in many products, such as electronics, fabrics, and plastics. It can also be used as a catalyst in chemical reactions, and it is used in compounds that are combined with other substances to form dye-stuffs and pigments, such as paints and enamels.
Risks
Like other heavy metals and metalloids, exposure to antimony can present health risks. In its elemental form, antimony is relatively harmless, but when it combines with other elements, such as oxygen or sulfur, it can become more dangerous. High levels of antimony can be toxic to humans, and exposure can lead to lung, heart, and skin problems. Short-term exposure can cause acute symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and long-term exposure can lead to cancer and other serious illnesses.
Conclusion
Antimony is an important element, used in many products that we use everyday. It can be used in alloys, batteries, flame retardants, and chemical catalysts. Although it has many benefits, exposure to antimony can be dangerous, and should be avoided.
