sb3

Sb3 is the triatomic cluster composed of three antimony atoms. In chemical notation, Sb denotes antimony, a heavy p-block element. The neutral Sb3 molecule is not a common bulk compound; it is a transient species observed under specialized experimental conditions and in high-temperature gas-phase studies, rather than in standard chemical reactions.

Preparation and detection: Sb3 can be generated in the gas phase by methods such as laser ablation of solid antimony followed by rapid cooling in an inert carrier gas, or by high-temperature vaporization and sputtering. It is typically detected and characterized using mass spectrometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and other jet-cooled spectroscopic techniques. The experimental data are often complemented by quantum chemical calculations to assign structures and electronic states.

Structure and bonding: The neutral Sb3 cluster is believed to be small and covalently bonded, with multicenter bonding that is common for heavy p-block clusters. The most stable geometry predicted by many calculations is a compact, triangular arrangement, though exact geometry and symmetry can depend on the electronic state and computational method. Bond lengths in Sb3 are longer than those in lighter group-15 trimers, reflecting the diffuse valence orbitals of antimony.

Context and significance: Sb3 is studied as part of cluster chemistry and spectroscopy of heavy main-group elements. It helps illuminate bonding patterns in antimony-containing systems and informs models of larger clusters and condensed phases that include antimony.

Related species include Sb2 and larger antimony clusters.