hexafluoroantimonateV

Hexafluoroantimonate(V) is the name given to the chemical species containing the hexafluoroantimonate(V) anion, SbF6-. This anion has a central antimony atom in the +5 oxidation state surrounded by six fluoride ligands. The hexafluoroantimonate(V) anion is isoelectronic with the hexafluoroarsenate(V) anion, AsF6-, and shares similar structural and chemical properties. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and a very weak coordinating anion. This latter property makes it useful in stabilizing highly reactive cations. It is often encountered as a counterion in superacidic systems and in the synthesis of unusual inorganic compounds. Salts of hexafluoroantimonate(V) are typically formed by reacting antimony pentafluoride (SbF5) with a source of fluoride, or in reactions involving strong Lewis acids and fluoride sources. For example, it can be formed in the superacid system HF-SbF5. Hexafluoroantimonate(V) compounds are generally stable in the absence of strong reducing agents or water, with which they can hydrolyze.