What is Sb? Important knowledge about Sb.

Definition of Sb
Sb is the chemical symbol for Antimony (commonly known), named in English as Antimony. The atomic mass of Antimony is 121.760 amu, but is rounded to 122 amu according to the IUPAC standard. In terms of atomic structure, Antimony has 51 electrons located in 5 electron shells. In the solid state, Antimony usually exists in the form of a crystalline solid with a cubic structure. Antimony forms negative ions with valence states III or V.

Properties of Sb
The melting point of Antimony is 630.63 degrees Celsius, boiling point is 1587 degrees Celsius. This substance is silvery white, odorless and insoluble in water. In terms of sensory perception, Antimony does not produce a particular smell or taste. The chemical properties of Antimony are very complex, they can react with oxygen to form Antimony oxide, react with strong acids such as concentrated hydrochloric acid vapor, concentrated nitric acid.

Common chemical equations
Example of metal reaction:
Sb + Cl₂ -> SbCl₃
Example of acid reaction:
Sb₂O₃ + 6HCl -> 2SbCl₃ + 3H₂O
Example of non-metal reaction:
2Sb + 3O₂ -> 2Sb₂O₃
Reaction with salt:
Sb₂S₃ + 6NaOH -> 2Na₃SbO₃ + 3H₂S

Sb preparation
We can prepare Antimony in the laboratory by dry distillation of vertical Antimony. In industry, Antimony is made from Stibnite ore Sb₂S₃ through a fusion process combined with a fractional distillation process.