Antimony sits at the border of metals and metalloids, showing up in minerals, industrial materials and lab reagents. Its compounds have played roles in pigments, flame retardants, glassmaking and even older medicinal uses, so a compact list helps see where each fits.
There are 30 Antimony Compounds, ranging from Antimony oxychloride to Valentinite. For each entry you’ll find below Formula,Oxidation state,Main use / notable property so you can quickly compare composition, common oxidation states and primary applications.
How are these antimony compounds most often used?
Uses depend on the compound and oxidation state: common roles include flame retardants (antimony oxides), alloying and soldering agents, pigments and ceramics, catalysts and reagents in organic synthesis, and certain semiconductor or glass additives. The table below highlights each compound’s typical application alongside its formula and oxidation state for quick reference.
Are any of these compounds hazardous or regulated?
Yes — many antimony compounds are toxic or irritating, particularly soluble salts and some organoantimony species. Handling usually requires PPE, fume control and proper waste disposal; workplace exposure limits and environmental regulations can apply, so check material safety data sheets and local rules before use.
Antimony Compounds
| Name | Formula | Oxidation state | Main use / notable property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony(III) oxide | Sb2O3 | +3 | Flame retardant and smoke suppressant |
| Senarmontite | Sb2O3 | +3 | Mineral polymorph of Sb2O3 |
| Valentinite | Sb2O3 | +3 | Mineral polymorph of Sb2O3 |
| Antimony(V) oxide | Sb2O5 | +5 | Precursor to antimonates and catalysts |
| Cervantite | Sb2O4 | +3,+5 | Mixed-valence oxide mineral |
| Stibnite | Sb2S3 | +3 | Primary antimony ore and source of Sb |
| Antimony trisulfide | Sb2S3 | +3 | Pigment and pyrotechnic ingredient |
| Antimony pentasulfide | Sb2S5 | +5 | Pyrotechnics and vulcanization agent |
| Kermesite | Sb2S2O | +3 | Antimony oxysulfide mineral and pigment |
| Antimony trichloride | SbCl3 | +3 | Reagent and synthesis precursor |
| Antimony pentachloride | SbCl5 | +5 | Strong chlorinating agent and Lewis acid |
| Antimony tribromide | SbBr3 | +3 | Synthesis reagent and flame-retardant precursor |
| Antimony pentabromide | SbBr5 | +5 | Brominating oxidizer and Lewis acid |
| Antimony triiodide | SbI3 | +3 | Historical pigment and synthetic reagent |
| Antimony trifluoride | SbF3 | +3 | Fluorination reagent and metal flux |
| Antimony pentafluoride | SbF5 | +5 | Key component of superacids |
| Hexafluoroantimonate anion | SbF6^- | +5 | Non-coordinating anion for salts and catalysts |
| Hexafluoroantimonic acid | HSbF6 | +5 | One of the strongest known superacids |
| Antimony oxychloride | SbOCl | +3 | Minor industrial reagent and historical cosmetic ingredient |
| Antimony(III) nitrate | Sb(NO3)3 | +3 | Precursor in synthesis and nitration reactions |
| Antimony(III) sulfate | Sb2(SO4)3 | +3 | Corrosive salt used in analytical chemistry |
| Potassium hexahydroxoantimonate(V) | KSb(OH)6 | +5 | Analytical reagent and antimonate precursor |
| Tripuhyite (iron antimonate) | FeSbO4 | +5 | Antimonate mineral and ore indicator |
| Stibine | SbH3 | -3 | Highly toxic gas and semiconductor precursor |
| Triphenylstibine | C18H15Sb | +3 | Organometallic ligand used in synthesis |
| Trimethylstibine | C3H9Sb | +3 | Volatile organoantimony used in synthesis |
| Potassium antimony tartrate (tartar emetic) | K2Sb2(C4H4O6)2·3H2O | +3 | Historical medicine and emetic; toxic |
| Potassium hexafluoroantimonate | KSbF6 | +5 | Counterion in ionic liquids and catalysts |
| Sodium antimonate | NaSbO3 | +5 | Ceramic pigment and catalyst precursor |
| Antimony(I) chloride (diantimony dichloride) | Sb2Cl2 | +1 | Intermediate in antimony chemistry and metallurgy |
Images and Descriptions
Antimony(III) oxide
White to yellowish powder used industrially as a flame-retardant synergist, in ceramics and glass. Occurs naturally as valentinite and senarmontite. Moderately toxic by inhalation; long-term exposure concerns and environmental persistence.
Senarmontite
White cubic mineral form of antimony(III) oxide, formed by weathering of stibnite. Historically collected as an ore indicator. Chemically identical to Sb2O3; used to illustrate natural occurrences of antimony compounds and their toxicity.
Valentinite
Pale yellow to white orthorhombic mineral, a polymorph of antimony(III) oxide. Found in oxidized zones of antimony deposits. Same chemistry as Sb2O3 and known for its brittle crystals and toxicity when powdered.
Antimony(V) oxide
Yellowish to brown solid used as a precursor to antimonate materials, catalysts, and flame-retardant formulations. Less common than Sb2O3; hydrolyzes in water and can release toxic antimony species on decomposition.
Cervantite
Rare oxide mineral containing both Sb(III) and Sb(V). Forms by oxidation of stibnite and shows distinctive yellow-brown to black colors. Important for studying antimony redox chemistry and environmental mobility.
Stibnite
Metallic-gray orthorhombic mineral and the main commercial ore of antimony. Source of antimony compounds used in metallurgy, pyrotechnics, and pigments. Dust is toxic and mining poses environmental risks.
Antimony trisulfide
Red-brown crystalline or powdery material used historically as a pigment and currently in pyrotechnics and matches. Semiconductor-like properties make it of academic interest; toxic by inhalation and ingestion.
Antimony pentasulfide
Red to brown nonstoichiometric sulfide used in pyrotechnic compositions, rubber vulcanization, and as a laboratory reagent. Decomposes to release sulfur species; hazardous if heated or burned.
Kermesite
Red fibrous or scaly mineral (antimony oxysulfide) produced by partial oxidation of stibnite. Historically used as a pigment and ore indicator. Contains Sb(III) bound to sulfur and oxygen; toxic like other antimony compounds.
Antimony trichloride
Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid or solid used as a chlorinating reagent, in organic synthesis, and as a precursor to flame-retardant additives. Reacts with water to form acids; corrosive and toxic.
Antimony pentachloride
Dark fuming liquid that acts as a powerful chlorinating reagent and Lewis acid in organic and polymer chemistry. Hydrolyzes violently with water to release HCl; highly corrosive and hazardous to handle.
Antimony tribromide
Pale yellow deliquescent solid used in organic synthesis and as a precursor to brominated antimony compounds. Moisture sensitive and corrosive; toxic if inhaled or ingested.
Antimony pentabromide
Volatile, oxidizing liquid used sometimes as a brominating reagent and strong Lewis acid. Highly reactive with water, corrosive, and presents significant handling hazards.
Antimony triiodide
Dark red crystalline solid historically used as an artist’s pigment and currently as a reagent in synthesis. Light-sensitive and toxic; decomposes to release iodine and antimony-containing residues.
Antimony trifluoride
White crystalline solid used in fluorination chemistry (Swarts reaction) and as a flux in metal processing. Reacts with moisture and acids; toxic with potential systemic effects on exposure.
Antimony pentafluoride
Colorless viscous liquid and one of the strongest Lewis acids; combining with HF forms hexafluoroantimonic acid. Used in superacid chemistry and for highly activated electrophilic reactions. Extremely corrosive and moisture-sensitive.
Hexafluoroantimonate anion
Stable, weakly coordinating anion used in salts, ionic liquids, and as a counterion for catalytic and electrochemical systems. Found in many organometallic and superacid contexts; salts vary widely in toxicity and reactivity.
Hexafluoroantimonic acid
Formed by combining SbF5 with HF; capable of protonating hydrocarbons and very weak bases. Used in fundamental acid chemistry studies. Extremely corrosive, moisture-reactive, and hazardous for laboratory handling.
Antimony oxychloride
White to pale yellow crystalline compound used historically in cosmetics and occasionally in synthesis. An oxyhalide that forms on partial hydrolysis of antimony chlorides; corrosive and toxic, with limited modern applications.
Antimony(III) nitrate
White to pale crystalline salt used as a laboratory precursor to other antimony compounds and sometimes in analytical chemistry. Hydrolyzes in water to produce acidic, corrosive solutions; toxic by ingestion or inhalation.
Antimony(III) sulfate
Crystalline salt formed by reaction of antimony with sulfuric acid; used in laboratory analysis and materials preparation. Strongly acidic aqueous solutions, corrosive and toxic; not common in consumer applications.
Potassium hexahydroxoantimonate(V)
White crystalline salt containing the Sb(OH)6^- anion used in analytical chemistry and as a precursor to antimonate materials. Represents Sb in +5 oxidation state; handle as corrosive and toxic like other antimony salts.
Tripuhyite (iron antimonate)
Black to dark brown mineral composed of iron and antimony in an oxide lattice. Occurs in hydrothermal deposits; studied for antimonate chemistry and as an indicator of antimony mineralization in ore exploration.
Stibine
Colorless, foul-smelling gas analogous to arsine; extremely toxic and pyrophoric in some conditions. Produced by reduction of antimony compounds and relevant as a transient intermediate in metal refining and semiconductor deposition.
Triphenylstibine
Crystalline organoantimony compound used as a ligand and reagent in organic and organometallic chemistry. Less reactive than inorganic antimony halides but still toxic; used to modify reactivity of metal complexes.
Trimethylstibine
Volatile organoantimony compound applied in organic synthesis and as a precursor in some semiconductor processes. Malodorous, toxic, and air-sensitive; requires careful handling to avoid inhalation exposure.
Potassium antimony tartrate (tartar emetic)
Also called tartar emetic, this hydrated double salt was used medicinally to treat parasites and as an emetic. Highly toxic, now largely obsolete in medicine. Historically significant for early therapeutic chemistry and metal detection.
Potassium hexafluoroantimonate
Stable crystalline salt of the SbF6^- anion used as a non-coordinating counterion in ionic liquids, catalysts, and electrochemical studies. Often chosen for stability, but precautions needed for toxic fluoride and antimony components.
Sodium antimonate
White to off-white salt used as a precursor for ceramic antimonate materials and pigments. Contains Sb(V) in an oxide framework; used in materials research and as a corrosion-resistant additive in some formulations.
Antimony(I) chloride (diantimony dichloride)
Yellow to orange crystalline compound containing antimony in the +1 state. Forms by partial reduction of SbCl3 and serves as an intermediate in synthesis and metallurgical processes. Moisture-sensitive and corrosive.
