SbH3

SbH3, also known as stibane, is the chemical compound consisting of antimony and hydrogen with the formula SbH3. It is the hydride of antimony and a member of the heavier pnictogen hydrides. In the gas phase it is a volatile, colorless compound and, like other heavier hydride families, is highly toxic.

SbH3 adopts a trigonal pyramidal geometry (AX3E) due to a lone pair on the antimony atom. The Sb–H bonds are relatively weak compared with lighter pnictogen hydrides, reflecting trends observed down the group. The exact bond lengths and vibrational frequencies are topics of spectroscopic study and vary with environment.

Stability and synthesis: SbH3 is unstable at room temperature and tends to decompose to elemental antimony and molecular hydrogen. Because of its instability, SbH3 is usually observed only at cryogenic temperatures or generated in situ under strictly controlled conditions for spectroscopic investigations. It can be prepared in the laboratory by reducing antimony(III) halides with suitable hydride donors or strong reducing agents in inert, low-temperature media. It is not produced or used on a practical scale.

Applications and occurrence: SbH3 has limited practical applications and is mainly of interest for fundamental studies of heavier pnictogen hydrides and bonding. It is not found appreciably in nature and is not a commercial chemical.

Safety: SbH3 is highly toxic and requires careful handling with appropriate containment, ventilation, and protective equipment. Exposure poses serious health risks, and contact with air or moisture should be avoided. See also related hydrides such as PH3 and AsH3.