Synthesis of a Homologous Series of Trialkyl Arsines (C₃-C₁₂) and Applications of Arsenic Triiodide as a Synthetic Precursor

This work presents some modifications in the post-synthetic processing for a classical arsenic reagent: AsI₃. In comparison with the widely used analog, the trichloride, arsenic triiodide presents several advantages such as low toxicity, air stability, and low volatility. It was used as a synthetic precursor in the preparation of a variety of arsenic(III) derivatives like arsines, arsenites, and thioarsenites. Besides that, AsI₃ was submitted to a diversity-oriented Grignard reaction in the preparation of a homologous series of trialkyl arsines ranging from AsC₃H₉ to AsC₁₂H₂₇. The series was analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to provide a trialkyl arsines library that can be used for the direct analysis of natural samples.

Keywords:
diversity-oriented Grignard; two-dimensional chromatography; trialkyl arsines; arsenic triiodide