Gaseous SbI3 is a molecular, pyramidal species as anticipated by VSEPR theory. In the solid state, however, the Sb center is surrounded by an octahedron of six iodide ligands, three of which are closer and three more distant.
Gaseous SbI3 adheres to the pyramidal shape predicted by VSEPR theory. Conversely, when it is in a solid state, the central Sb atom is enveloped by an octahedral configuration of six Iodine atoms, with three nearest and three more distant.