Potassium antimonyl tartrate, also known as tartar emetic or emetic tartar, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula K(SbO)C4H2O6. It is an inorganic salt that is derived from the reaction between potassium hydroxide, antimony trioxide, and tartaric acid.
Potassium antimonyl tartrate is a white, odorless crystal or powder that is highly soluble in water. It possesses a sweet taste, hence the name "tartar emetic." It has been used historically in medicine as an emetic, a substance that induces vomiting. However, its use has significantly declined due to its toxic and potentially lethal nature.
In chemistry, this compound is utilized as a reducing agent and also finds applications in metal plating and textile dyeing. It is known for its high toxicity, as it contains antimony, which is a highly poisonous metalloid. Exposure to potassium antimonyl tartrate can lead to severe health complications, including gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and even death.
When used in medicine, the compound is carefully administered under strict medical supervision due to its potential toxicity. It is important to note that the use of potassium antimonyl tartrate as an emetic is now generally considered obsolete, as there are safer and more effective alternatives available.
In summary, potassium antimonyl tartrate is a toxic chemical compound that has been historically used as an emetic and finds limited use in certain chemical processes. Its high toxicity and potential health risks strongly discourage its unsupervised use.
