Antimony oxychloride

Antimony oxychloride[1]
Names
IUPAC name
antimony oxide chloride
Identifiers
ECHA InfoCard 100.029.308
UNII
Properties
SbOCl
Molar mass 173.21 g/mol
Melting point 280 °C (536 °F; 553 K)
insoluble
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Antimony oxychloride, known since the 15th century, has been known by a plethora of alchemical names. Since the compound functions as both an emetic and a laxative, it was originally used as a purgative.

History

Its production was first described by Basil Valentine in Currus Triumphalis Antimonii. In 1659 Johann Rudolf Glauber gave a relatively exact chemical interpretation of the reaction.

Vittorio Algarotti introduced the substance into medicine, and derivatives of his name (algarot, algoroth) were associated with this compound for many years.

The exact composition was unknown for a very long time. The suggestion of SbOCl being a mixture of antimony trichloride and antimony oxide or pure SbOCl were raised. Today the hydrolysis of antimony trichloride is understood; first the SbOCl oxychloride is formed which later forms Sb4O5Cl2.

Alternative historical names

Synthesis

Dissolving antimony trichloride in water yields antimony oxychloride:

SbCl3 + H2O → SbOCl + 2 HCl

References

  1. Nurgaliev, B. Z.; Popovkin, B. A.; Novoselova, A. V. (1981). "Physiochemical analysis of antimony trioxide–antimony trichloride, antimony trioxide–antimony tribromide systems". Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii. 26 (4): 1043–1047.

Further reading

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