Chloroantimonides

Chloroantimonides are a class of chemical compounds that contain antimony and chlorine atoms. The most common and well-known chloroantimonide is antimony pentachloride, SbCl5. Antimony pentachloride is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly corrosive and reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen chloride gas. SbCl5 is a strong Lewis acid and is used as a catalyst in various organic reactions, such as chlorination and polymerization.

Another important chloroantimonide is antimony trichloride, SbCl3. This compound exists as colorless crystalline solids and is soluble in various organic solvents. SbCl3 is also a Lewis acid and is employed in organic synthesis, often as a chlorinating agent or a catalyst. It can also be used in the production of other antimony compounds.

The bonding in chloroantimonides can range from covalent to ionic depending on the specific compound and the oxidation state of antimony. Antimony typically exhibits oxidation states of +3 and +5 in these compounds. These substances are generally handled with care due to their corrosive nature and reactivity. Their applications are primarily found in industrial chemistry and specialized laboratory syntheses.