7. Production of antimony chloride

Process

SbCl ₃ is obtained by direct chlorination of antimony with chlorine gas. This is usually done in a percolation column-type apparatus, where the chlorine is fed to the top of the antimony charge, ensuring that the reduced form SbCl ₃ is obtained by trickling. The temperature can reach 200°C. If, on the other hand, SbCl ₅ is desired, a further addition of chlorine at the base of the reaction column is sufficient.

The products are then condensed, which constitutes a product purification operation.

Another process involves dissolving and reacting antimony oxide in hot, concentrated hydrochloric acid. Distillation of the crude product in the presence...