SbOCl

SbOCl, also known as antimony oxychloride or the mineral valentinite when in crystalline form, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SbOCl. It is a white, crystalline solid. SbOCl is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. It is insoluble in water but can be hydrolyzed by hot water to form antimony(III) oxide and hydrochloric acid. SbOCl is typically prepared by the partial hydrolysis of antimony(III) chloride. This can be achieved by adding water to SbCl3 or by passing dry hydrogen chloride gas over heated antimony(III) oxide. Historically, antimony oxychloride was used as a white pigment, sometimes referred to as "pearl white" or "bismuth white," though its use has largely been supplanted by other materials due to potential toxicity concerns and less desirable properties compared to modern pigments. It has also found applications in pyrotechnics and in the production of other antimony compounds. The compound exhibits a layered crystal structure.