Antimony Halides

compounds of antimony with halogens. The two types of halides are SbX₃, where X is F, Cl, Br, or I, and SbX₅, where X is F or Cl. SbF₅ and SbCl₅ are liquids formed by the reaction of SbF₃ and SbCl₃ with, respectively, fluorine and chlorine. While SbF₅ has no industrial application, SbCl₅ is used in organic synthesis. SbCl₃, which exists as colorless, hygroscopic crystals, dissolves in hydrochloric and sulfuric acids upon heating and is obtained by the chlorination of antimony or Sb₂S₃, as well as by dissolving antimony or antimony oxides in hydrochloric acid. This halide is used in obtaining pure antimony trioxide; it also finds use in medicine and in the textile industry. SbF₃, which exists as colorless crystals, dissolves readily in water and in hydrofluoric acid; it is produced by dissolving SbCl₃ or Sb₂(SO₄)₃ in hydrofluoric acid and is used in the electrolyte during the refining of antimony, as well as in the textile industry. SbBr₃ exists as colorless crystals and has almost no practical use. SbI₃ is encountered in three modifications, of which the trigonal form is the most common. This halide is obtained by triturating antimony with iodine.