Antimony V Chloride Formula: Preparation, Structure, Properties and Uses

Antimony V Chloride also referred to as Antimony Pentachloride is a compound that is categorized as oils. It is colourless in nature but due to the presence of impurities mostly it appears yellowish in laboratories. Antimony V Chloride is a Lewis acid catalyst and undergoes a series of significant reactions like halogenation, preparation of carbonation, isomerization, electrophilic aromatic substitution, onium ion complexes and rearrangements. 

Key Takeaways: The formula of Antimony V Chloride, Structure, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties, Important Reactions and Applications. 

Also Read: Chemical Reactions Formula

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Introduction of Antimony V Chloride

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Antimony reacts with chlorine to majorly form two stable compounds, Antimony III Chloride (SbCl₃) and Antimony V Chloride (SbCl₅). Commonly the two compounds are known as Antimony Trichloride and Antimony Pentachloride.

Antimony Pentachloride is produced by undergoing chlorination of Antimony Trichloride. Antimony V Pentachloride is classified as a Lewis Catalyst due to the presence of vacant orbitals. This property enables it to react extensively with non-fluorinated plastics. 

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Preparation

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There are two ways of preparing Antimony V Chloride. First is when molten antimony III chloride is saturated with chlorine. To get pure antimony V chloride, it undergoes distillation under reduced pressure at varied boiling points i.e., Vacuum Distillation similarly to the distillation of crude oil. The second method is the chlorination of oxides and sulphides of antimony or directly chloritizing antimony trichloride. 

SbCl₃ + Cl₂ \(\Box\) SbCl₅

Also Read: Zone Refining

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Structure

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5 atoms are attached to a single atom of Antimony thus, forming an ionic compound. In the gaseous state, the structure of Antimony Pentachloride is Trigonal Bipyramidal. The molecular formula of Antimony V Chloride is Cl₅Sb and molecular mass is 299.01 g.mol^-1. 

Chemical Properties

• Antimony V Chloride is soluble in water as well as reacts with it to form hydrochloric acid (HCl). The process is known as hydrolysis in which the water molecule leads to the breaking of bonds. 
• It is soluble in HCL, Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄), Tartaric acid, chloroform etc. 
• It must not be stored in high moisture as it reacts with moisture in the air to undergo hydrolysis.
• It is a classic Lewis acid and hence, it forms Lewis adducts. 
• It is a strong oxidizing agent. 

Physical Properties

• Odour: Pungent smell that cannot be withstood for more than a few seconds. 
• Appearance: Ideally colourless liquid but found slightly yellowish due to chlorine and other impurities.
• Melting Point: 2.8^oC
• Boiling Point: 92^oC 
• Density: 2.36 g/mL at 25^oC
• Vapour Pressure: 0.13 psi (55^oC)

It is a non-combustible substance that does not burn if exposed to fire rather it releases toxic fumes. 

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Important Chemical Reactions

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The action of Antimony Pentachloride with water or moisture 

2 SbCl₅ + 5 H₂O \(\Box\) Sb₂O₅ + 10 HCL + Heat (Exothermic Reaction)

Here, Hydrolysis of Antimony Pentachloride results in the formation of antimony pentoxide and hydrochloric acid. If Antimony Pentachloride reacts with water but in excess chlorine, it will form a hexachloroantimonate ion. 

SbCl₅ + Cl^- \(\Box\) [SbCl₆]^- (hexachloroantimonate ion)

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Uses and Benefits

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• Helpful in polymerizing compounds by acting as a catalyst. 
• Leads to the chlorination of organic compounds. 
• Used as a testing agent for alkaloids and caesium. 

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Safety Measures

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• Antimony Pentachloride is extremely corrosive, always store in PTFE bottles. If stored in non-fluorinated plastic containers, it will melt the container.
• Avoid coming in direct contact with the compound. It can cause serious skin burns. 
• Do not keep the compound in the open air as it will react with the moisture to form hydrochloric acid. 
• Don’t put the compound on flames, it is non-combustible in nature. On coming in contact with fire it releases highly toxic fumes that can damage the airways. 

Also Read: 

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Things to Remember