Indirect spectrophotometric determination of traces of antimony(III) based on its oxidation by chromium(VI) and reaction of chromium(VI) with diphenylcarbazide

An indirect method for the determination of antimony(III) is described. Antimony(III) is oxidized to antimony(V) by chromium(VI) and the excess of chromium(VI) is then determined spectrophotometrically with diphenylcarbazide. Optimal conditions were established for both the determination of antimony(III) and the elimination or reduction of interferences. Antimony(III) can be determined quickly and easily in the range 0.05–5 mg l^?1; the relative standard deviation is 2% for 1.0 mg l^?1 antimony(III). The method is applicable to marine sediments and geothermal waters.