IR spectral investigation of the structures of the products of the reaction of tertiary arsine oxides with alkyl halides

Crystallographic report: Hydroxytrimethylarsonium iodide, [Me3AsOH]I

“…The reaction of Me 2 AsI with MeI, affords the adduct of Me 3 AsO and HI, which is a convenient precursor of Me 3 AsO. The conventional route to Me 3 AsO involves oxidation of Me 3 As with H 2 O 2 .…”

“…Adducts of trialkylarsine oxide (R 3 AsO) with acids (HX) have been reported, 2 -5 and the IR spectra of some are interpreted in terms of a hydrogen-bonded complex cation (R 3 AsO· · ·H + · · ·OAsMe 3 ). 3 The X-ray crystal structure of the [Me 3 AsOH]I adduct ( Fig. 1) shows a simple anion and cation in the solid state.…”

“…The conventional route to Me 3 AsO involves oxidation of Me 3 As with H 2 O 2 . 1 In our hands this procedure is unsafe and can result in the formation of highly unstable explosive products that are possibly peroxides of arsenic.…”