Antimony trifluoride

Synonyms

Antimoine fluorure [French]; Antimonous fluoride; Antimony fluoride; Antimony(III) fluoride (1:3); Stibine, trifluoro-; Trifluoroantimony; Trifluorostibine; [ChemIDplus] UN1549

Category

Metalloid Compounds (Antimony)

Description

White to gray hygroscopic solid; [Hawley] White or light brown powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a catalyst, intermediate, dye (usually in the form of double salts), electroplating agent, fluorinating agent, and to make pottery and porcelains; [HSDB]

Comments

Corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Antimony compounds can cause injury to the liver, heart, and lungs; [HSDB] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; Effects in high-dose animal studies include acute tubular necrosis; [MSDSonline] See "Antimony" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)

0.5 mg/m3, as Sb (2.5 mg/m3, as F)

0.5 mg/m3, as Sb (2.5 mg/m3, as F)

1 mg/m3, as F, inhalable fraction

50 mg/m3, as Sb

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Electroplating
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making