Synthesis and structural characterization of alkali metal arsinoamides

Abstract

The aminoarsane Mes₂AsN(H)Ph was prepared from Mes₂AsCl and aniline in good yields. Deprotonation of Mes₂AsN(H)Ph with suitable alkali metal bases resulted in the corresponding alkali metal derivatives. Thus, reaction of Mes₂AsN(H)Ph with nBuLi, NaN(SiMe₃)₂, or KH gave the metal complexes [(Mes₂AsNPh){Li(OEt₂)₂}], [(Mes₂AsNPh){Na(OEt₂)}]₂, and [(Mes₂AsNPh){K(THF)}]₂. These are the first metal complexes ligated by an arsinoamide. All solid-state structures were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The lithium compounds form a monomer in the solid-state, whereas the sodium and the potassium derivatives are dimers. In the dimeric compounds intra- and intermolecular π-interaction of the aromatic rings with the metal atoms is observed.