Sodium thioantimoniate


Sodium thioantimoniate is an inorganic compound with the formula Na3SbS4. The nonahydrate of this material is known as Schlippe's salt, named after K. F. Schlippe, These compounds are examples of sulfosalts. They were once of interest as species generated in qualitative inorganic analysis.

Structure

This hydrated salt consists of the tetrahedral SbS43− anion and sodium cations, which are hydrated. Related salts are known for different cations including ammonium and potassium.
The anhydrous salt is polymer with tetrahedral Na and Sb sites.

Preparation

Sodium thioantimoniate is prepared by the reaction of antimony trisulfide, elemental sulfur, and aqueous sulfide source.
The sulfide can be generated indirectly by the thermal reaction of elemental sulfur with sodium hydroxide or even charcoal:
In the latter route, a mixture of sodium sulfate is reduced by fusion with charcoal in the presence of antimony sulfide. The melt is extracted into water which is treated with sulfur. Upon evaporation of the solution, the salt crystallizes as large tetrahedra, which are easily soluble in water. The anhydrous salt melts easily on heating, and in the hydrated condition, on exposure to moist air becomes coated with a red film.
The required antimony sulfide is prepared in the usual way by treatment of virtually any Sb compound with sulfide sources:

Reactions

The hydrate dissolves in water to give the tetrahedral SbS43− ion. The salt gives "quinsulfide antimony," upon acidification:

Related compounds