A N T I M O N Y : ITS HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY ...

24
THE METALLUBGV OF ANTIMONY.
The sulphide readily dissolves metallic antimony. In fact, antimony
and antimony trisulphide are soluble in each other. This solution
gives rise to" two layers, which have been studied by Chretien and
Guinchant, and Pelabon.
The specific density of a solution of antimony and antimony trisulphide
is :—
Temperature.
13
643
69S
1116
115o
The Sb Layer.
6-75
...
6*55
6*45
The composition of the Sb phase:—
Temperatu
Percent.
re
\ Metal.
539
595
640
660
698
I 11-28
1 13*2
i 14-34
! 15-7
! 16-5
Temperature.
702
: 750
! 800
: 825
: 960
Specific Density.
The SI.2Sa Layer.
Per cent.
Metal.
16-8
17-96
20-0
20-6 i
4*63
3*85
8-82
Temperature.
1036
1108
1130
1167
1180
Above 360° the reaction between SbJ33 and H is thus :—
2 + 3HoS
Per cent.
Metal.
21-0
21-8
21-3
21-2
211
{Berthier, Schneider, Rose). The relative importance of this reaction
has been studied by Pelabon.
Fluorine decomposes it in the cold, with the production of a blue
flame and fluoride of antimony {Moissari).
Chlorine reacts upon the crystallised surface in the cold; if heat is
applied, the trichloride and chloride of sulphur are formed {Rose).
Bromine attacks it when heated {Jannash and Remmler). With
iodine it gives rise to iodine sulphide and the tri-iodide {Schneider).
Air and oxygen oxidise it easily to Sb2O3 when heated. Biichner
says, however, that the very finely pulverised powder can be acted
upon by oxygen at ordinary temperatures.
With ozone it forms the sulphate (Mailfert).