Algarot

Algarot

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Names
IUPAC name antimony oxide chloride
Identifiers
CAS Number	7791-08-4 N
Properties
Chemical formula	SbOCl
Molar mass	173.21 g/mol
Melting point	280 °C (536 °F; 553 K)
Solubility in water	insoluble
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Algarot, Antimony oxychloride, previously regarded a compound of trichloride and trioxide of antimony, is a pale white emetic powder formerly used in alchemy. It was used as an emetic because it purges violently both through regurgitation and diarrhea.

History

In his Currus Triumphalis Antimonii (The triumphal chariot of antimony) Basil Valentine describes the reaction of butter of antimony (antimony trichloride) with water. Johann Rudolf Glauber gives a relatively exact chemical interpretation of the reaction in 1659.

Vittorio Algarotto introduced the substance into medicine. He called it pulvis angelicus. In older literature the substance was also frequently called pulvis algarotis or Powder of Algaroth.

The exact composition was unknown for a very long time. The suggestion of SbOCl being a mixture antimony trichloride and antimony oxide or pure SbOCl were raised. Today the hydrolysis of antimony trichloride is understood; first the SbOCl oxychloride is formed which later forms Sb₄O₅Cl₂.

Alternative names

Algarot is also known as mercurius vitæ ("mercury of life"), emetic powder, powder of algaroth, algarel, antimonious oxychloride, or antimony hypochlorite.

Synthesis

Historically, algarot was prepared of butter of antimony (antimony trichloride), which was no more than the regulus (purified metal) of that mineral, dissolved in acids, and separated again by means of several lotions with lukewarm water, which absorbed those acids. By collecting all the lotions and evaporating two third parts, what remained was a very acid liquor, called "Spirit of Philosophical Vitriol".

At present, algarot is synthesised by exposing antimony trichloride to water:

SbCl₃ + H₂O → SbOCl + 2 HCl

External links

• José Rodríguez has published a complete study devoted to the commercial network of chemical medicines developed by Vittorio Algarotti (1553-1604): The First Commercial Network of a Chymical Medicine: