Araucaria bidwillii: Difference between revisions

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Antimony Trioxide

Antimony trioxide is a chemical compound with the formula Sb₂O₃. It is the most important commercial compound of antimony. The compound is found in nature as the minerals senarmontite and valentinite.

Structure

Antimony trioxide exists in two crystalline forms: cubic and orthorhombic. The cubic form is known as senarmontite, while the orthorhombic form is known as valentinite. In both forms, the antimony atoms are in a +3 oxidation state, and the oxygen atoms are in a -2 oxidation state.

Senarmontite

Senarmontite has a cubic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are coordinated to three oxygen atoms, forming a pyramidal shape. This structure is similar to that of arsenic trioxide.

Valentinite

Valentinite has an orthorhombic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are also coordinated to three oxygen atoms, but the arrangement is different from that in senarmontite, leading to a different crystal symmetry.

Production

Antimony trioxide is produced by roasting antimony sulfide ores or by oxidizing antimony metal. The process involves the reaction of antimony with oxygen to form the trioxide:

4 Sb + 3 O₂ _ 2 Sb₂O₃

The product is then purified by sublimation.

Applications

Antimony trioxide is used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and as an opacifying agent in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.

Health and Safety

Antimony trioxide is considered a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposure to antimony trioxide can occur in industrial settings, and it is important to follow safety guidelines to minimize exposure.

Related Pages

Gallery

3D structure of senarmontite
3D structure of valentinite

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-'''Araucaria bidwillii''', commonly known as the '''bunya pine''', is a large evergreen coniferous tree in the plant family [[Araucariaceae]]. It is native to south-east [[Queensland]] with two small disjunct populations in north eastern [[Queensland]]'s [[World Heritage]] listed [[Wet Tropics]], and many fine old trees planted in [[New South Wales]], and around the [[Perth]], Western Australia.
+== Antimony Trioxide ==
-== Description ==
+[[File:Antimony_trioxide.jpg|thumb|Antimony trioxide powder]]
-The '''Araucaria bidwillii''' grows up to 30–45 meters tall. The tree has a distinct dome-shaped crown and straight, vertical trunk. The bark is rough and corky. The leaves are stiff, sharp, and spiky, arranged spirally on the branches.
-== Distribution and habitat ==
+'''Antimony trioxide''' is a chemical compound with the formula Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. It is the most important commercial compound of [[antimony]]. The compound is found in nature as the minerals [[senarmontite]] and [[valentinite]].
-'''Araucaria bidwillii''' is found naturally in [[Queensland]], Australia. It grows in well-drained soil in areas with a high rainfall. It is also found in parts of [[New South Wales]] and [[Western Australia]], where it has been introduced.
-== Uses ==
+== Structure ==
-The '''Araucaria bidwillii''' is primarily used for its timber. The wood is light, strong, and resistant to insects and rot. It is also used in the production of furniture, flooring, and boat building. The seeds of the tree are also edible and were a significant food source for [[Aboriginal Australians]].
+Antimony trioxide exists in two crystalline forms: cubic and orthorhombic. The cubic form is known as senarmontite, while the orthorhombic form is known as valentinite. In both forms, the antimony atoms are in a +3 oxidation state, and the oxygen atoms are in a -2 oxidation state.
-== Conservation ==
+=== Senarmontite ===
-The '''Araucaria bidwillii''' is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, its habitat is under threat from deforestation and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its natural habitat and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.
+[[File:Sb4O6-molecule-from-senarmontite-xtal-2004-3D-balls-B.png|thumb|left|Molecular structure of senarmontite]]
+Senarmontite has a cubic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are coordinated to three oxygen atoms, forming a pyramidal shape. This structure is similar to that of arsenic trioxide.
-== See also ==
+=== Valentinite ===
-* [[Araucariaceae]]
+[[File:Antimony(III)-oxide-valentinite-xtal-2004-3D-balls.png|thumb|left|Molecular structure of valentinite]]
-* [[Coniferous trees]]
+Valentinite has an orthorhombic crystal structure. In this form, the antimony atoms are also coordinated to three oxygen atoms, but the arrangement is different from that in senarmontite, leading to a different crystal symmetry.
-* [[Queensland]]
-[[Category:Trees]]
+== Production ==
-[[Category:Araucariaceae]]
+Antimony trioxide is produced by roasting antimony sulfide ores or by oxidizing antimony metal. The process involves the reaction of antimony with oxygen to form the trioxide:
-[[Category:Flora of Queensland]]
-{{Australia-stub}}
+: 4 Sb + 3 O<sub>2</sub> _ 2 Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>
-{{tree-stub}}
+The product is then purified by sublimation.
+== Applications ==
+Antimony trioxide is used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of [[polyethylene terephthalate]] (PET) and as an opacifying agent in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.
+== Health and Safety ==
+Antimony trioxide is considered a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposure to antimony trioxide can occur in industrial settings, and it is important to follow safety guidelines to minimize exposure.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Antimony]]
+* [[Senarmontite]]
+* [[Valentinite]]
+* [[Flame retardant]]
+== Gallery ==
+<gallery>
+File:Antimony(III)-oxide-senarmontite-xtal-2004-3D-balls.png|3D structure of senarmontite
+File:Antimony(III)-oxide-valentinite-xtal-2004-3D-balls.png|3D structure of valentinite
+</gallery>
+[[Category:Antimony compounds]]
+[[Category:Oxides]]