Antimonide

Antimonides (sometimes called stibnides or stibinides) are compounds of antimony with more electropositive elements. The antimonide ion is Sb³⁻ but the term refers also to any anionic derivative of antimony.^[1]

Antimonides are often prepared by heating the elements.^[2] Alternatively, sodium electride in ammonia dissolves antimony to give an antimonide upon evaporation.^[3]

The reduction of antimony leads to alkali metal antimonides of various types, depending on stoichiometry.^[4] Known antimonides include isolated Sb³⁻ ions (in Li₃Sb and Na₃Sb). Other motifs include dumbbells Sb4−2 in Cs₄Sb₂, discrete antimony chains, for example, Sb8−6 in SrSb₃, infinite spirals (Sb⁻)_n (in NaSb, RbSb), planar four-membered rings Sb2−4, Sb3−7 cages in Li₃Sb₇,^[5] and net shaped anions Sb2−3 in BaSb₃.

Some antimonides are semiconductors, e.g. those of the boron group such as indium antimonide. Being reducing, many antimonides are decomposed by oxygen.

See also

• Antimonide mineral