Exploring the multifaceted applications of antimony(iii/v) corrole complexes

Abstract

Tetrapyrrolic macrocycles coordinated to redox-active main-group elements, particularly from groups 14 and 15, have emerged as efficient photocatalysts for substrate oxidation under ambient conditions. Among group 15 elements, antimony commonly adopts +III and +V oxidation states and forms stable high-valent complexes with porphyrinoid ligands such as corroles, which readily accommodate diverse axial ligands (e.g., O-, N-, and S-donors). Antimony corrole complexes exhibit considerable promise across diverse fields, including catalysis, biomedicine, and advanced dielectric and optoelectronic applications. The oxidation state of antimony plays a crucial role in modulating key reactivities such as photo- and electrochemical C–H bond activation, hydrogen evolution, and triplet-to-singlet oxygen conversion. The generation of singlet oxygen, a highly reactive species, underpins their use in catalytic oxidation and photodynamic therapy. Additionally, the tunable electronic structures of these complexes render them attractive candidates for next-generation optoelectronic and dielectric materials. This review highlights the multifunctionality of antimony corroles, encouraging further exploration of structural modifications to expand their application landscape.