Reaction of R3AsI2(R = Me or Et) with zinc metal powder to produce ZnI2(AsMe3)2 and [ZnI2(AsEt3)]2, the first tertiary arsine complexes of zinc(II)

Abstract

The reaction of Et₃AsI₂ with zinc metal powder produced the dimeric complex [ZnI₂(AsEt₃)]₂, whereas that of Me₃AsI₂ gave equimolar quantities of ZnI₂(AsMe₃)₂ and ZnI₂, the latter being identified by X-ray powder diffraction. Both arsine complexes have been structurally characterised and as such represent the only examples for zinc(II). A structural change is thus seen on changing the R groups on the R₃AsI₂ compound. The complex ZnI₂(AsMe₃)₂ represents the sole example of a bis(ligand) complex of zinc(II) containing a Group 15 donor atom. Both complexes contain the zinc atoms in essentially tetrahedral geometry but significant distortion is noted for ZnI₂(AsMe₃)₂, which may be the result of unfavourable steric interactions.