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What are the different allotropic forms of antimony?
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antimony
Properties of antimony.
Antimony exists in several allotropic forms, which are physically distinct conditions resulting from different arrangements of atoms. The most stable form is a brittle, silvery solid with a high metallic luster.1
Other identified allotropic forms include:
- Explosive antimony: An unstable amorphous form produced through electrolytic deposition. It is termed "explosive" because it converts to the stable metallic form in a mildly explosive manner when scratched or bent.1
- Black antimony: An amorphous form that results from the sudden quenching of antimony vapor.1
- Yellow antimony: A form produced by the low-temperature oxidation of stibine () with air or chlorine.1