Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate sits in a unique niche among inorganic compounds, recognized for its crystalline structure with a distinctive transparency and shimmering surface. The formula of this substance, K2Sb2(C4H2O6)2·3H2O, outlines a double tartrate of antimony and potassium with three molecules of water of crystallization. Appearance can vary from fine crystalline powder to solid, dense flakes, and occasionally lustrous pearls. In its laboratory form, this material presents as clear, colorless crystals or granular powder, fully soluble in water, producing a clear solution. Its molecular mass reaches about 667.87 g/mol. This molecular mass and triply hydrated structure define its solubility and reactivity. Individuals with direct experience in laboratories know the substance under several aliases, including tartar emetic and potassium antimony tartrate.
Crystals of this compound carry a notable density around 2.6 g/cm3. In powder and flake forms, the solid feels slightly gritty and quickly takes up moisture, hinting at its hydrated state. The substance shares a faintly sweet taste—an oddity for a compound so hazardous. It melts between 70–80°C, with prolonged heating breaking its structural water bonds. As a solid, it remains stable at room temperature if kept dry, but it’s sensitive to light and prolonged humidity. Antimony potassium tartrate’s solubility in water often determines its practical use in industries, since it forms a colorless solution when dissolved. The material does not dissolve in alcohol, which highlights the importance of solvent choice in chemical practices. The combination of antimony and potassium within a tartrate skeleton gives the compound its unusual chemical resilience and specificity for certain applications, such as acting as an analytical reagent and mordant.
Each molecule contains two antimony atoms connected through tartrate ligands, balanced by two potassium ions and stabilized with three associated water molecules. This unique configuration ensures performance as a complexing agent but brings notable toxicity. The arrangement of tartrate as a chelating ligand means the substance interacts well with metal ions and proteins, prompting its historical but now tightly restricted medicinal use. The standardized chemical structure can be described as K2Sb2(C4H2O6)2·3H2O, written out in detail for technical compliance and clarity.
Antimony potassium tartrate often comes in crystalline or granular powder, with newer material processes providing flakes or glossy pearls to suit storage and handling requirements. As a solid, it looks nearly translucent, and when ground, it offers a white, fine powder. For large-scale industrial use, solutions are prepared fresh to preserve effectiveness and physical integrity, measured by the liter; even trace contamination shifts the color and solubility. Some processes demand pearl or bead forms to reduce dust and accidental inhalation, lowering the risk for handlers. Each form brings distinct benefits, but all forms maintain water solubility and the toxic chemical profile. Measuring and quality control standards align with international protocols to guarantee the reliability of each batch.
Regulatory authorities like the European Chemicals Agency and the US Environmental Protection Agency have established specifications and purity benchmarks for this compound. High purity levels are critical, especially given its use in sensitive assays or catalysis. Commercial suppliers list detailed specifications, noting purity percentages, water content, physical state, and bulk density. Reliable providers offer transparent COAs (certificates of analysis), and the accurate HS Code for international trade is 29181980, categorizing it under carboxylic acids and derivatives. Practical use mandates a close look at both the molecular formula and the physical state to avoid mix-ups with other hydrated or anhydrous tartrates. For chemical safety and customs clearance, clear and precise labeling becomes non-negotiable.
Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate raises immediate red flags for any chemist aware of historical poisoning incidents. This chemical ranks as acutely toxic by ingestion, capable of causing nausea, vomiting, and more severe reactions such as tissue damage or cardiac symptoms with prolonged exposure. The lethality comes from the antimony ions, which interfere with cellular processes. Proper handling calls for gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated environments, as even the dust can harm mucous membranes and skin. Solutions in laboratory glassware must carry clear labels and be locked away from food or drink areas, reflecting the substance’s legacy as both a chemical tool and a notorious hazard. Disposal falls under hazardous chemical waste streams, following local regulations to prevent waterway contamination. Current workplace training emphasizes the unpredictable damage these heavy metal compounds can inflict, reinforcing the commitment to safety and crisis preparedness.
Despite its dangers, antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate holds a historic and technical position as a raw material. Textile industries have long relied on its ability to act as a mordant, fixing dyes more permanently onto fabrics, thanks to the binding nature of the tartrate group. Laboratories worldwide use this compound in certain volumetric determinations (like potassium), leveraging its unique chemical structure for accuracy and repeatability. It serves as a catalyst in tartaric acid and sugar industries, and historically, it has even found application in veterinary medicine for controlling parasite loads, though such uses have dropped off sharply with advances in toxicology and drug safety. The key remains a constant review of guidelines and emerging alternatives to reduce the risk associated with handling antimony-based materials, pursuing safer substitutes without sacrificing the chemical properties that make this tartrate so effective.
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