From As‐Zincoarsasilene (LZn‐As=SiL′) to Arsaethynolato (As≡C−O) and Arsaketenylido (O=C=As) Zinc Complexes

The reactivity of the As‐zincosilaarsene LZn?As=SiL′ A (L=CH(CMeNDipp)₂]^?, Dipp=2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃, L′={C(H)N(2,6‐ⁱPr₂‐C₆H₃)}₂]^2?) towards small molecules was investigated. Due to the pronounced zwitterionic character of the Si=As bond of A , it undergoes addition reactions with H₂O and NH₃, forming LZnAs(H)SiOH(L′) 1 and LZnAs(H)SiNH₂(L′) 2 . Oxygenation of A with N₂O at ?60 °C furnishes the deep blue 1,2‐disiloxydiarsene, LZnOSi(L′)As]₂ 4 , presumably via dimerization of the arsinidene intermediate LZnOSi(L′)As 3 . Oxygenation of A with CO₂ leads to the monomeric arsaethynolato siloxido zinc complex LZnOSi(L′)(OC≡As) 5 , essentially trapping the intermediary arsinidene 3 with liberated CO following initial oxidation of the Si=As bond. DFT calculations confirm the ambident coordination mode of the anionic AsCO] ligand in solution, with the O‐arsaethynolato As≡C?O]^.? in 5 , and the As‐arsaketenylido ligand mode O=C=As]^? present in LZnO?Si(L′)(?As=C=O) 5′ akin to the analogous phosphorus system, PCO]^?.