Sb
Antimony
Atomic number: 51Mass: 121.76 uCategory: Metalloid
About Antimony
Antimony is a lustrous grey metalloid. It is found in over 100 mineral species. Antimony and its compounds are used in flame-proofing compounds, batteries, and semiconductors. Its symbol Sb comes from the Latin 'stibium'.
Properties
Period
5
Group
15
Block
P
Category
Metalloid
Electronegativity
2.05 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
834 kJ/mol
Melting Point
904 K (631°C)
Boiling Point
1908 K (1635°C)
Density
6.697 g/cm³
Oxidation States
-3, +3, +5
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p³
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:18e⁻
Shell 5:5e⁻
Real-World Uses
Flame retardants
Lead-acid batteries
Semiconductors
Pigments
Alloys
Fun Fact
Ancient Egyptians used antimony sulfide (kohl) as eye makeup — Cleopatra may have lined her eyes with antimony!