Methylated antimony(V) compounds: Synthesis, hydride generation properties and implications for aquatic speciation

Abstract

Abstract Reports in the literature that the compounds MeSb(O)(OH) 2 and Me 2 Sb(O)(OH) are present in marine and fresh‐waters need to be re‐examined. The results of several synthetic strategies suggest that these methylantimony(V) compounds are either environmentally inaccessible or polymeric in nature. Pure samples of various di‐ and tri‐ methylated antimony(V) species were prepared and found to undergo molecular rearrangement reactions when subjected to hydride generation procedures typically used for aquatic speciation.