Arsenic: Organoarsenic Chemistry

Abstract

This review surveys the chemistry, reactivity, spectroscopic, and structural aspects of several major classes of organometallic arsenic compounds over the time period of 1760 through 2003. These compounds are the core of the field and represent the major areas of research thrusts during this period. We draw heavily from several books, monographs, and review articles to review the primary synthetic routes and reactivity. The primary literature is referenced for all developments that have occurred since the last published review articles. After an extensive review of the fully substituted and AsH bond containing organoarsenic compounds, the focus is on compounds containing AsHalogen, As group 13, As group 14, As group 15, and AsO bonds. Because of the efforts to synthesize As group 13 bonded compounds of the heavier group 13 elements, tables listing the known compounds synthesized after 1985 and their method of preparation are provided.