tartar emetic

chemical compound

Also known as: antimony potassium tartrate

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Tartar emetic, also known as tartarized antimony, is a poisonous crystalline salt with the chemical formula C₈H₄K₂O₁₂Sb₂·3H₂O. It has a sweetish, metallic taste.1

Historically, tartar emetic was used in medicine as an emetic (to induce vomiting) and an expectorant. It was also used in dyeing as a mordant, a substance that helps fix dyes to fabric. This compound was first documented around 1704.1

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antimony poisoning
…antimony in medications, such as tartar emetic (antimony and potassium tartrate), used to induce vomiting and in treatment of helminthic and fungal infestations. The industrial use of antimony has not appeared to be associated with serious occupational poisoning. It is believed that the toxicity of antimony and of arsenic is…
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…antimony in medications, such as tartar emetic (antimony and potassium tartrate), used to induce vomiting and in treatment of helminthic and fungal infestations. The industrial use of antimony has not appeared to be associated with serious occupational poisoning. It is believed that the toxicity of antimony and of arsenic is…
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antimony
Commercial production and uses
…used as paint pigments, and tartar emetic (an organic salt of antimony) is used in the textile industry to aid in binding certain dyes to fabrics and in medicine as an expectorant and a nauseant.
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…used as paint pigments, and tartar emetic (an organic salt of antimony) is used in the textile industry to aid in binding certain dyes to fabrics and in medicine as an expectorant and a nauseant.
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tartaric acid
A third salt, tartar emetic (antimony potassium tartrate), is made from the potassium acid salt and antimony oxide.
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A third salt, tartar emetic (antimony potassium tartrate), is made from the potassium acid salt and antimony oxide.
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