Antimony-124

Chemical Properties

Half-life 60 days, radiation β and γ. The chemical form used is often antimony trichloride and oxychloride in hydrochloric acid solution.

Uses

As a tracer, especially in solid-state studies and marker of interfaces between products in pipelines. The γ ray has sufficient energy to eject neutrons from beryllium. Convenient portable neutron sources that may be reactivated in a nuclear reactor are made by irradiation of an antimony pellet encased in a beryllium shell.

Hazard

Radioactive poison.

Raw materials

Preparation Products