Antimonides (sometimes called stibnides or stibinides) are compounds of antimony with more electropositive elements. The antimonide ion is Sb3− but the term refers also to any anionic derivative of antimony.[1]
Antimonides are often prepared by heating the elements.[2] The reduction of antimony by alkali metals or by other methods leads to alkali metal antimonides of various types.[3] Known antimonides include isolated Sb3− ions (in Li3Sb and Na3Sb). Other motifs include dumbbells Sb4−2 in Cs4Sb2, discrete antimony chains, for example, Sb8−6 in SrSb3, infinite spirals (Sb−)n (in NaSb, RbSb), planar four-membered rings Sb2−4, Sb3−7 cages in Li3Sb7,[4] and net shaped anions Sb2−3 in BaSb3.
Some antimonides are semiconductors, e.g. those of the boron group such as indium antimonide. Being reducing, many antimonides are decomposed by oxygen.