ScSbCl

ScSbCl, or thallium(I) antimony chloride, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula TlSbCl₆. It is a coordination complex consisting of a thallium(I) cation (Tl⁺) and a hexachloroantimonate(V) anion ([SbCl₆]⁻). This compound belongs to the broader class of coordination compounds where a central metal or metalloid atom is bonded to surrounding ligands.

The structure of ScSbCl (often mistakenly referred to as such, though the correct name is thallium(I) hexachloroantimonate) features a highly symmetrical octahedral arrangement of chlorine atoms around the antimony(V) center. Thallium(I) acts as a counterion, balancing the charge of the complex anion. The compound is typically prepared through the reaction of thallium(I) chloride (TlCl) with antimony pentachloride (SbCl₅) in a suitable solvent, such as chloroform or dichloromethane.

ScSbCl is notable for its use in certain organic synthesis reactions, particularly as a Lewis acid catalyst. Lewis acids are compounds that can accept electron pairs, and thallium(I) hexachloroantimonate serves this role effectively due to its strong electron-withdrawing properties. It facilitates reactions such as Friedel-Crafts alkylations and acylations, as well as other electrophilic aromatic substitutions.

The compound is highly soluble in polar organic solvents but decomposes in the presence of water, forming thallium(I) chloride and antimony oxychloride. Due to the toxicity of thallium compounds, handling ScSbCl requires careful consideration of safety protocols, including the use of protective equipment and proper disposal methods. Its use is generally limited to specialized laboratory applications where its catalytic properties are essential.