In search of layered antimony(III) materials: synthesis and characterization of oxo-antimony(III) catecholate and further studies on antimony(III) phosphate

Abstract A new layered oxo-antimony(III) catecholate, [Sb(C 6 H 4 O 2 )] 2 O, can be obtained by reacting senarmontite with aqueous catechol. The same reaction performed with valentinite, the other allotropic form of Sb 2 O 3 , shows an intermediate hydrate that loses water at about 100°C. Both compounds can be obtained from SbPO 4 under appropriate experimental conditions. [Sb(C 6 H 4 O 2 )] 2 O and the hydrated form, which appear to be layered materials, have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyses, and infrared techniques. Preliminary evidence of a reversible intercalation of pyridine into [Sb(C 6 H 4 O 2 )] 2 O was collected. Taking into consideration the possible use of [Sb(C 6 H 4 O 2 )] 2 O and SbPO 4 in the field of photocatalysis, their surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy.