The reaction of 1,2-dilithiotetrafluorobenzene with group V halides

Although the arsenic containing analogue of triptycene, 5,10-$\text{o}$-benzenoarsanthrene $\text{A}$ (E=As) was isolated some time ago [1] the related derivatives of antimony and bismuth are unknown. We now find that when 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene is treated with methyllithium at -78/dg, to afford the little studied dilithiotetrafluorobenzene [2], and the appropriate metal chloride is added to the resulting solution, perfluorinated analogues of $\text{A}$ (E = As, Sb, or Bi) are obtained in good yield. These are stable volatile solids.