Abstract. Thermodynamic modelling of the ternary systems M/Q/I (M = Sb, Bi, Q = Se, Te) indicated solid-gas equilibria suitable for chemical vapour transport of bismuth and antimony chalcogenides. The predictions of the modelling were confirmed by transport experiments on a transport balance. The optimum transport conditions using iodine as transport agent were determined for all systems to: ϑ source = 500 °C and ϑ sink = 450 °C. For ∆T > 50 K the sequential transport of chalcogenide iodides MQI followed by M 2 Q 3 occurs. Thermodynamic standard data of the gas species SbI(g) were concluded from equilibrium calculations: ∆H