Explosive antimony is an allotrope of the chemical element antimony that is so sensitive to shock that it explodes when scratched or subjected to sudden heating.[1][2][3][4][5][6] The allotrope was first described in 1855.[7][8]
Chemists form the allotrope through electrolysis of a concentrated solution of antimony trichloride in hydrochloric acid, which forms an amorphous glass.[1][2][3][4] This glass contains significant amounts of halogen impurity at its boundaries.
When it explodes, the allotrope releases 24 calories (100 J) per gram.[9] White fumes of antimony trichloride are produced and the elemental antimony reverts to its metallic form.
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