Efficient and simple synthesis of distibenes, the antimony compounds regarded as notoriously difficult and hazardous to make, promises new ranges of catalysts and of much larger compounds of the heavy metal, claim researchers who developed the productive route at the University of Southampton.

William Levason and colleagues report that they have produced five new distibenes in abundance from readily available chemicals.

The compounds each contain two antimony atoms separated by a carbon backbone. Furthermore, Levason highlights significant differences between his group's new distibenes and related phosphorus and arsenic compounds.

Kirsty Anderson