Triphenylstibine is the

chemical compound A chemical compound is a chemical substance composed of many identical molecules (or molecular entities) containing atoms from more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds. A molecule consisting of atoms of only one elemen ...

with the formula Sb(C₆H₅)₃. Abbreviated SbPh₃, this colourless solid is often considered the prototypical organoantimony compound. It is used as a ligand in

coordination chemistry A coordination complex consists of a central atom or ion, which is usually metallic and is called the ''coordination centre'', and a surrounding array of bound molecules or ions, that are in turn known as ''ligands'' or complexing agents. Many ...

and as a reagent in

organic synthesis Organic synthesis is a special branch of chemical synthesis and is concerned with the intentional construction of organic compounds. Organic molecules are often more complex than inorganic compounds, and their synthesis has developed into one o ...

. Like the related molecules

triphenylphosphine Triphenylphosphine (IUPAC name: triphenylphosphane) is a common organophosphorus compound with the formula P(C6H5)3 and often abbreviated to P Ph3 or Ph3P. It is widely used in the synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds. PPh3 exists ...

and

triphenylarsine Triphenylarsine is the chemical compound with the formula As(C6H5)3. This organoarsenic compound, often abbreviated As Ph3, is a colorless crystalline solid that is used as a ligand and a reagent in coordination chemistry and organic synthesis. Th ...

, SbPh₃ is pyramidal with a propeller-like arrangement of the phenyl groups. The Sb-C distances average 2.14-2.17 Å and the C-Sb-C angle are 95°. SbPh₃ was first reported in 1886, being prepared from

antimony trichloride Antimony trichloride is the chemical compound with the formula SbCl3. It is a soft colorless solid with a pungent odor and was known to alchemists as butter of antimony. Preparation Antimony trichloride is prepared by reaction of chlorine with an ...

by the reaction: :6 Na + 3 C₆H₅Cl + SbCl₃ → (C₆H₅)₃Sb + 6 NaCl An alternative method treats phenylmagnesium bromide with SbCl₃.

References

{{reflist Organoantimony compounds Phenyl compounds