Organoantimony: a versatile main-group platform for pnictogen-bonding and redox catalysis

Abstract

The chemistry of main-group elements has seen remarkable advances in organic synthesis and catalysis, redefining the boundaries of redox and acid–base reactivity traditionally dominated by transition metals. Among these developments, organoantimony chemistry has remained largely overlooked. Yet, recent discoveries have unveiled its multifaceted reactivity, spanning redox processes and Lewis acidity through the so-called pnictogen bond, positioning it as a promising underexplored platform for organic synthesis and catalysis. This Tutorial Review delves into the fundamental principles underlying organoantimony reactivity, drawing comparisons with other main-group elements while highlighting its distinctive behaviour. We examine its emerging roles in non-covalent interactions, organometallic transformations, and redox catalysis, offering a comprehensive perspective on its synthetic potential.