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Chemical Datasheet

ANTIMONY TRIFLUORIDE

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 7783-56-4
  • 1549 (solid)
  • 3141 (solution)
  • Poison
  • ATT
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Antimony trifluoride is a white to gray crystalline solid, which is sometimes shipped as an aqueous solution. It is corrosive to tissue. It is used in ceramics and to make other chemicals.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Water slowly hydrolyzes antimony fluoride to form antimony (III) oxide. The dry powdered oxide ignites on heating in air [Mellor Vol. 9 425.1939].
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 157 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. UN1796, UN1802, UN1826, UN2032, UN3084, UN3085, and, at concentrations above 65%, UN2031 may act as oxidizers. Also consult 140 Polymerizable warning. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Substance may react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Resemble those of lead and arsenic poisoning. ACUTE POISONING: irritation of the mouth, nose, stomach and intestines; vomiting, purging with bloody stools; slow pulse and low blood pressure; slow, shallow breathing; coma and convulsions sometimes followed by death from cardiac and respiratory exhaustion. CHRONIC POISONING: dryness of throat; pain on swallowing; occasional vomiting and persistent nausea; susceptibility to fainting; diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight; giddiness; dermatitis, either pustular or ulcerative; anemia (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
A colorless, solid compound, toxic and corrosive. When heated to decomposition, it emits very toxic fumes of fluoride and metallic antimony [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 83].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 157 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 157 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Some foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

SMALL FIRE: CO2 (except for Cyanides), dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 157 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Approved respirator, rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
If any symptoms, however slight, are noticed, the affected individual should be removed from contact with the chemical and placed under the care of a physician who is versed in the treatment necessary. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • F3Sb
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: Not flammable (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: 558°F (USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 4.38 at 69.8°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: 178.75 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Antimony trifluoride (7783-56-4) 2.2 mg/m3 20 mg/m3 120 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Antimony Compounds N010 & 313
Antimony trifluoride 7783-56-4 1000 pounds 313c

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names