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Atomic Number: 51
Atomic Symbol: Sb
Atomic Weight: 121.75
Electron Configuration: [Kr]5s24d105p3
History
(Gr. anti plus monos - a metal not found alone) Antimony was
recognized in compounds by the ancients and was known as a metal at the
beginning of the 17th century and possibly much earlier.
Sources
It is not abundant, but is found in over 100 mineral species. It is
sometimes found native, but more frequently as the sulfide stibnite.
Properties
It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Antimony and many of
its compounds are toxic.
Uses
Antimony is finding use in semiconductor technology for making
infrared detectors, diodes and Hall-effect devices. It greatly increases the
hardness and mechanical strength of lead. Batteries, antifriction alloys, type
metal, small arms and tracer bullets, cable sheathing, and minor products use
about half the metal produced. Compounds taking up the other half are oxides,
sulfides, sodium antimonate, and antimony trichloride. These are used in
manufacturing flame-proofing compounds, paints ceramic enamels, glass, and
pottery.
Sources: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and
Physics and the American Chemical Society.
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