Antimony Potassium Tartrate stands out as a white crystalline salt, recognized under its common name, tartar emetic. This chemical compound arises from antimony trioxide, potassium oxide, and tartaric acid, combining to form a double salt. Many see it as a classic laboratory standard and a legacy ingredient from earlier pharmaceutical and industrial practices. Behind its unusual appearance, the solid possesses a distinctive sharp taste and a crystalline texture that tends to dissolve readily in water, less so in alcohol. Those familiar with the material will recognize fine powder, pearly crystals, or sometimes even flakes, depending on the method of preparation and storage.
Its molecular formula reveals the backbone of this compound: C8H4K2O12Sb2·3H2O. The molar mass hits 667.87 g/mol in its trihydrate form. Antimony Potassium Tartrate crystallizes monoclinically, so users notice a regular geometric order in pure samples. This chemical manifests in solid form but may appear as a clear solution when prepared for practical purposes, given its robust water solubility. Solutions display a typically neutral to slightly acidic reaction—an important factor for those managing pH in laboratory settings.
Solid Antimony Potassium Tartrate feels slightly gritty between the fingers but dissolves without resistance if stirred into water. The density measures about 2.6 g/cm³, no surprise considering its mix of heavy antimony and the lightweight potassium. As a flake or powder, it transitions quickly into solution with no visible residue, making it easy to use in analytical applications. The substance stays stable when stored in dry conditions, away from direct sunlight or strong acids, and does not decompose unless heated above 100°C, at which point water of crystallization escapes.
This material travels the world under the HS Code 2918.19, falling into the broader category of organic salts of other inorganic acids. Regulatory authorities look closely at this code because it can indicate dual-use potential in some manufacturing sectors. Importers and exporters need to check compliance rules in each country due to toxicity concerns plus possible environmental impacts linked to the antimony content. Every shipment, whether a bulk solid, intermediate pearls, or even mixed within a solution, falls under similar scrutiny.
Direct experience with Antimony Potassium Tartrate brings up the old principle: treat all antimony compounds with care. Its toxicity is not to be underestimated. Exposure by inhalation, ingestion, or significant contact leads to symptoms from mild irritation to severe gastrointestinal distress—historically, toxicity led to its abandonment in most therapeutic contexts. Handlers wear gloves, goggles, and work under fume hoods, minimizing the risk of accidental dust inhalation or skin contact. Material safety datasheets underline storage in sealed containers, segregated from foodstuffs, acids, and reducing agents. Emergency procedures include immediate medical attention for any suspected poisoning and clean-up using absorbent materials for spills.
Once called the tartar emetic, Antimony Potassium Tartrate occupied a central role in early medicine as an emetic and antiprotozoal agent, even though the risks often outweighed the benefits. In my own lab work, I've seen it used as a standard reagent in titrations, especially in quantitative analysis for oxidizers. Some industries still rely on it for dye fixing in textiles, as a mordant or as a catalyst in organic synthesis, though the modern era’s stricter regulations see safer alternatives in many markets. Its presence as a chemical raw material supports industrial chemistry, but often, safety teams intervene to keep the work environment secure.
Given its classification as both hazardous and harmful, industries that value sustainability actively research replacement chemicals. Hygienic handling practices minimize health risk, but risk cannot be fully eliminated, as accidental exposure or improper disposal creates lasting environmental problems. I’ve seen progress through substitution with less toxic chelating agents or catalytic materials, changing the workflow to avoid antimony altogether. Investing in robust training, regular audits, and clear labelling further reduces the likelihood of harm. In places where Antimony Potassium Tartrate continues to play a role, closed-system handling, spill kits, and personal protective equipment provide front-line defense.
Lab-grade Antimony Potassium Tartrate arrives with purity exceeding 99%, a necessity for analytical accuracy and industrial performance. Every consignment—solid, flake, powder, pearl, or solution—carries batch-specific documentation showing density, crystalline structure, and water of hydration. Clear labelling with UN identification numbers and GHS pictograms alerts handlers to its hazards. The chemical’s solution liters, specific gravity, and crystalline detail enable traceability and reproducibility, whether working atop a lab bench or scaling up for industrial batch processing. To ensure reliability, routine testing, spectroscopic verification, and periodic revalidation confirm every shipment matches safety and performance standards.
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