3D H-bonding networks self-assembly from pyridinium derivatives and bis(maleonitriledithiolato)zincate(II)

The two ion-pair complexes, [pyH]₂[Zn(mnt)₂] (1) and [4,4′-bipyH₂]-[Zn(mnt)₂] (2), were synthesized, where mnt²⁻ denotes maleonitriledithiolate, and [pyH]⁺, [4,4′-bipyH₂]²⁺ represent pyridinium and diprotonated 4,4′-bipyridinium, respectively. Their single crystal structures show that there are strong bifurcated H-bonding interactions between the cations of the pyridinium derivative and the [Zn(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions in both 1 and 2. The bifurcated H-bonding interactions between the N–H of the pyridiniums and the CN groups of the mnt²⁻ ligands give rise to a 2D layered H-bonding network, the adjacent layers come together in such way as mutual embrace to give a tight pack, thus 2D hydrogen-bonding sheets further develop into 3D H-bonding networks through weak C–HS and ππ stacking interactions in 1. As for 2, the cations and anions connect into several types of H-bonding macrorings ([2+2], [3+3] and [4+4]), these H-bonding macrorings fuse to extend into 2D layered structure, the interpenetration between [3+3] and [4+4] type H-bonding macrorings in the adjacent layers give further rise to novel 3D extended H-bonding networks, in which there are clearly parallel stacks of cations and the chelate rings of anions.     

Structural investigation of dibromobis(benzimidazole)Zn(II) complex

The molecular structure of the title complex [ZnBr₂(C₇H₆N₂)₂] was investigated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy methods. Molecules of zinc(II) complex crystallize in the triclinic crystal system with cell constants a=7.526(2) Å, b=7.8971(8) Å, c=13.431(1) Å, Z=2 and V=791.3(2) Å³. In the molecular structure, the Zn atom is coordinated tetrahedrally by two Br⁻ anions and two benzimidazole ligands. Intramolecular steric repulsions between Br⁻ anions and benzimidazole groups have been caused to cis configuration around the central metal atom.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of the reactions of tetrathiomolybdate with roussin salts and esters, and with some related iron nitrosyls

The tetrathiomolybdate ion [MoS₄]²⁻ reacts in DMF solution with Roussin esters Fe₂(SR)₂(NO)₄ (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu,t-Bu, n-C₅H₁₁) to yield the paramagnetic iron nitrosyls [Fe(NO)₂(SR)₂]⁻ (1), [Fe(NO)₂(S₂MoS₂]⁻ (2) and [Fe(NO)(S₂MOS₂)₂]⁻ (3). The new complexes (2) and (3) have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy and the assignment to them of constitutions based respectively upon tetrahedral and square pyramidal iron is supported by EHMO calculations. Fe₂(SPh)₂(NO)₄ with [MoS₄]²⁻ yields only [Fe(NO)₂(SPh)₂]⁻, and preformed (3) reacts with PhS⁻ to give firstly EPR-silent species, and then [Fe(NO)₂(SPh)₂]⁻. The mononitrosyl (3) can also be formed by reaction of [MoS₄]²⁻ with [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇]⁻, Fe₄S₄(NO)₄, or Fe₂I₂(NO)₄.     

Electron transfer in organometallic clusters : XI. Redox chemistry of M3(CO)12(M = Ru, Os) and PPh3 derivatives; mechanism of catalysed nucleophilic substitution

The generality of a two-electron reduction process involving an mechanism has been established for M₃(CO)₁₂ and M₃(CO)₁₂−n(PPh₃)_n (M = Ru, Os) clusters in all solvents. Detailed coulometric and spectral studies in CH₂Cl₂ provide strong evidence for the formation of an ‘opened’ M₃(CO)₁₂²⁻ species the triangulo radical anions M₃(CO)₁₂^−· having a half-life of < 10⁻⁶ s in CH₂Cl₂. However, the electrochemical response is sensitive to the presence of water and is concentration dependent. An electrochemical response for “opened” M₃(CO)₁₂²⁻ is only detected at low concentrations < 5 × 10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³ and under drybox conditions. The electroactive species ground at higher concentrations and in the presence of water M₃(CO)₁₁²⁻ and M₆(CO)₁₈²⁻ were confirmed by a study of the electrochemistry of these anions in CH₂Cl₂; HM₃(CO)₁₁⁻ is not a product. The couple [M₆(CO)₁₈]^−/2− is chemically reversible under certain conditions but oxidation of HM₃(CO)₁₁⁻ is chemically irreversible. Different electrochemical behaviour for Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is found when [PPN][X] (X = OAc⁻, Cl⁻) salts are supporting electrolytes. In these solutions formation of the ultimate electroactive species [μ-C(O)XRu₃(CO)₁₀]⁻ at the electrode is stopped under CO or at low temperatures but Ru₃(CO)₁₂^−· is still trapped by reversible attack by X presumably as [η¹-C(O)XRu₃(CO)₁₁]⁻. It is shown that electrode-initiated electron catalysed substitution of M₃(CO)₁₂ only takes place on the electrochemical timescale when M = Ru, but it is slow, inefficient and non-selective, whereas BPK-initiated nucleophilic substitution of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ is only specific and fast in ether solvents particulary THF. Metal---metal bond cleavage is the most important influence on the rate and specificity of catalytic substitution by electron or [PPN]-initiation. The redox chemistry of M₃(CO)₁₂ clusters (M = Fe, Ru, Os) is a consequence of the relative rates of metal---metal bond dissociation, metal-metal bond strength and ligand dissociation and in many aspects resembles their photochemistry.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of some novel dinuclear mixed-ligand peroxouranium(VI) complexes

Novel anionic dinuclear mixed-ligand peroxo complexes of the type [(UO₂)₂(O₂)₃L(H₂O)₂]³⁻ (L = Histidinate, aspartate, salicylate, Imidazolate and glutamate) have been synthesized from the interaction of uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) with peroxide (O₂²⁻) in the presence of the respective coligand (L) at pH 9–10. The sparingly soluble complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, laser Raman (LR) and UV-vis spectroscopy and solution electrical conductance measurements. Based on these studies, a double bridged dinuclear structure involving one peroxo and the mixed ligand L (via-COO⁻) has been tentatively proposed. Infra-red coupled with LR spectra evidenced structurally different metal bound peroxides (ν² and σ:σ). An aqueous solution of the salicylate and aspartate complexes have been shown to convert triphenylphosphine (PPh₃), cyclohexene, styrene and SO₂ to the corresponding OPPh₃, 1,2 cyclohexanediol, phenylethyleneglycol and SO₄²⁻, respectively.     

Interaction of heterocyclic thioamides with tellurium(II) and tellurium(IV). Syntheses and crystal structures of bis[2-(2-thioxo-1,3- thiazolidin-3-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3- thiazolium]hexabromotellurate(IV) and tris(1- methylimidazole-2-(3H)-thione)tellurium(II) bromide

Reaction of 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione with tellurium(IV) in hydrobromic acid medium gave the hexabromotellurate, [C₆H₉N₂S₃]₂²⁺[Te^IVBr₆]²⁻ (3). Reaction of 1-methylimidazoline-2-(3H)-thione (L″) with tellurium(IV), in hydrobromic acid medium, gave the mixed-ligand tellurium(II) complex [Te^IIL″₃Br]⁺Br⁻ (4). The structures of [C₆H₉N₂S₃]₂²⁺[Te^IVBr₆]²⁻ (3) and [Te^IIL″₃Br]⁺Br⁻ were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. In 3 the unit cell contains [TeBr₆]²⁻ anions and two [C₆H₉N₂S₃]⁺ cations. There is no direct bonding between the metal atom and the cations. In the anion only slight angular deviations from the perfect octahedral geometry are observed. The lone pair of electrons on tellurium(IV) is found to be stereochemically inert. In the cation the two five-membered heterocyclic rings adopt different conformations. In complex 4, in the solid state, the planar [Te^IIL″₃Br]⁺ cation and Br⁻ anion are held together by ionic interactions. In the cation, L″ is bonded to the central tellurium atom through the sulphur atom.     

The chemistry of 1,3,5-triazacyclohexane complexes 5: cationic zinc(II) alkyl complexes of N-alkylated 1,3,5-triazacyclohexanes and 13-benzyl-1,5,9-triazatricyclo[7.3.1.0]-tridecane

Diethylzinc reacts with hydroperchlorates of N-alkylated 1,3,5-triazacyclohexanes (R₃TAC; R = methyl (Me), benzyl (Bz), isopropyl (ⁱPr)) and with the hydrotetrafluoroborate of 1,3,5-tris-(para-fluorobenzyl)-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (FBz₃TAC) to give the corresponding cationic zinc ethyl complexes [(R₃TAC)Zn(Et)][X] (X = ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻). Similar complexes were obtained from diethylzinc treated with [HNMe₂Ph][BF₄] or [HNMe₂Ph][B(C₆F₅)₄](Et₂O) in the presence of R₃TAC (R = Bz, FBz, s-1-phenylethyl (s-PhMeCH)). A product of decomposition of [(Bz₃TAC)Zn(Et)][ClO₄] was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The structures of [({s-PhMeCH}₃TAC)Zn(Et)][BF₄] an [(FBz₃TAC)Zn(Et)][BF₄] were estimated using nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy. Protonolysis of diethylzinc with [HNMe₂Ph][BF₄] in the presence of 13-benzyl-1,5,9-triazatricyclo[7.3.1.0^5,13]-tridecane (BzTATC) yielded the complex [(BzTATC)Zn(Et)][BF₄].     

Vibrational spectrum of [(CD3)3S]I and normal coordinate calculations for [(CH3)3S] and [(CD3)3S] cations

IR (4000-30 cm⁻¹) and Raman (4000-0 cm⁻) spectra of [(CD₃)₃S]I have been observed, together with those of [(CH₃)₃S]I. By assuming a C_3v molecular symmetry for the cations [(CH₃)₃S]⁺ and [(CD₃)₃S]⁺, all the active fundamentals of [(CD₃)₃s]⁺ have been assigned and normal coordinate calculations have been carried out by a symmetry force field for [(CH₃)₃S]⁺ and [(CD₃)₃S]⁺. The strength of the S---C and C---H bonds in the compound has been compared with that in dimethyl sulfide by using their valence stretching force constants.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of [Zn(H2O)4]2 [H2As6V15O42(H2O)]·2H2O

The compound [Zn(H₂O)₄]₂[H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESR, magnetic measurement, third-order nonlinear property study and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound 1 crystallizes in trigonal space group R3, a=b=12.0601(17) Å, c=33.970(7) Å, γ=120°, V=4278.8(12) Å³, Z=3 and R1(wR2)=0.0512 (0.1171). The crystal structure is constructed from [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁴⁻ anions and [Zn(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cations linked through hydrogen bonds into a network. The [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁶⁻ cluster consists of 15 VO₅ square pyramids linked by three As₂O₅ handle-like units.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Molybdenum-Sulfur Cluster Compounds Coordinated by Nicotinic Acid and Isonicotinic Acid

Cuboidal Molybdenum have been paid much attention due to their structural resemble with those metallic centers in some biological systems^[1]. To explore the chemistry of trinuclear Mo-S cluster complexes^[2], we rationally synthesized two compounds:Mo₃S₄(DTP)₃(nicotinate)(Py)·EtOH (Ⅰ) (DTP=diethyl dithiophosphate) and Mo₃S₄(DTP)₃(isonicotinate)(Py)·EtOH (Ⅱ) by the substitution reaction of Mo₃S₄(DTP)₃(L)(Py) (L=ClCH₂COO-, CH₃COO-) with nicotinic acid and isonicotinic acid, respectively.     

Dimerization of Incomplete Cubane-Type Mo3S4(DTP)3 Units Linked by Bridging α, ω-Dicarboxylate

Since the trinuclear molybdenum cluster compound Mo₃S₄(DTP)₃(μ-DTP)(L) (DTP=diethyldithiophosphate, L=loosely-coordinated ligand) was reported^[1],a large number of monomeric trinuclear molybdenum derivatives have been synthesized from it by its diverse substitution reactions^[2]. This reaction provides a useful route to design cluster complexes with specific functions. By the reaction with α, ω-dicarboxylates, we successfully synthesized the first oligomer containing two incomplete cubane-type[Mo₃S₄] cores formulated as[Mo₃S₄(DTP)₃(DMF)]₂[η²-μ-OOC(CH₂)₃COO-μ-η²]) whose molecule structure is as follows:     

High-field EPR investigation of a series of mononuclear Mn(II) complexes doped into Zn(II) hosts

The five-coordinate mono-halide mononuclear Zn(II) complexes [Zn(tpa)X]⁺ (tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine; X = I ([Zn(tpa)I]I; 1a), Br ([Zn(tpa)Br](ZnBr₄)_0.5; 2a) and Cl ([Zn(tpa)Cl](ZnCl₄)_0.5; 3a)) and the six-coordinate mononuclear complex [Zn(tpa)(NCS)₂] (4a) have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The [Zn(tpa)X]⁺ complexes doped with the corresponding [Mn(tpa)X₂] complexes (X = I (1b), Br (2b) and Cl (3b)) have been synthesized and their electronic properties investigated by multifrequency high field EPR (HF-EPR) (95–285 GHz). The magnetically diluted conditions allow the determination of the hyperfine coupling constant A (A = 68.10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ for 1b–3b). The zero-field splitting parameters (D and E) found for 1b–3b are comparable to those found for neat samples of the [Mn(tpa)X₂] complexes (1b: D = 0.635 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.189; 2b: D = 0.360 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.192; 3b: D = 0.115 cm⁻¹, E/D = 0.200). The efficacy of using multifrequency EPR under dilute conditions to precisely determine spin Hamiltonian parameters is discussed.     

Isotopic exchange reactions between iron-sulphur-nitrosyl clusters and nitrite

The anion [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇]⁻ undergoes slow exchange with labelled nitrite [¹⁵NO₂]⁻ to yield a product [Fe₄S₃(¹⁴NO)(¹⁵NO)₆]⁻ in which complete isotopic exchange has occurred at the basal Fe(NO)₂ groups, but with no exchange at the apical Fe(NO) group. The neutral Fe₄S₄(NO)₄ reacts rapidly with [¹⁵NO₂⁻ to give fully exchanged [Fe₄S₃(¹⁵NO)₇]⁻, and it is proposed that the conversion proceeds by fragmentation, followed by complete isotopic exchange and rapid reassembly. The binuclear anion [Fe₂S₂(NO)₄]²⁻ also yields, with [¹⁵NO₂]²⁻ in CD₂Cl₂ solution, the fully exchanged [Fe₄S₃(¹⁵NO)₇]⁻, and a mechanism involving successive fragmentation, exchange and reassembly steps is proposed; however in aqueous solution, a clean exchange reaction occurs to give [Fe₂S₂(¹⁵NO)₄]²⁻. Neutral binuclear esters Fe₂(SR)₂(NO)₄ (R = Me, Et, or Ph) with [¹⁴NO₂]⁻ yield the mononuclear paramagnetic [Fe(¹⁴NO)₂(¹⁴NO₂)₂]⁻, and with [¹⁵NO₂]⁻ the analogous [Fe(¹⁵NO)₂(₁₅NO₂)₂]⁻.     

Syntheses, X-ray structures, and reactions of ruthenium carbonyl complexes containing 1,1-dithiolates

Treatment of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ or [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] with uni-negative 1,1-dithiolate anions via potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, potassium tert-butylthioxanthate, and ammonium O,O′-diethylthiophosphate gives both monomeric and dimeric products of cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)⁻=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (1), Et₂NCS₂⁻ (2), ^tBuSCS₂⁻ (3), (EtO)₂PS₂⁻ (4)) and [Ru(CO)(η²-(Me₂NCS₂))(μ,η²-Me₂NCS₂)]₂ (5). The lightly stabilized MeCN ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ are replaced more readily than the bound acetate ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] by thiolates to produce cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] with less selectivity. Structures 1 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Although the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in 1, the dithiolates are trans to each other in each of the {Ru(CO)(η²-Me₂NCS₂)₂} fragment of 5. The dimeric product 5 can be prepared alternatively from the decarbonylation reaction of 1 with a suitable amount of Me₃NO in MeCN. However, the dimer [Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)(μ,η²-Et₂NCS₂)]₂ (6), prepared from the reaction of 2 with Me₃NO, has a structure different from 5. The spectral data of 6 probably indicate that the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in one {Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)₂}fragment but trans in the other. Both 5 and 6 react readily at ambient temperature with benzyl isocyanide to yield cis-[Ru(CO)(CNCH₂Ph)(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (7) and Et₂NCS₂⁻ (8)). A dimerization pathway for cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] via decabonylation and isomerization is proposed.     

Interaction of the E(D) state of Co with a jahn-teller active mode in [N(CH3)4]2CoCl4

The transition ⁴A₂ → ²E of Co²⁺ has been investigated in [N(CH₃)₄]₂CoCl₄ using optical absorption and magnetic circular dichroism. Three groups of lines with 274 cm⁻¹ progressions were observed. The structure of the spectra indicates a J-T interaction in the ²E state with strong depression of the frequency of the J-T active mode. The ground-state splitting is 7.2 cm⁻¹.     

Observation of alkali-metal-carboxylate radical anions in fast-atom bombardment

The existence of a series of 32 molecular radical anions from carboxylic acids salts RCOO-Cat^−., where R = CH₃, CH₃CH₂, CH₃CH₂CH₂, (CH₃)₂CH, C₆H₅, o-CH₃-C₆H₄, m-CH₃-C₆H₄, and p-CH₃-C₆H₄ and Cat = Li, Na, K, Rb, has been proven by the observation of their fragmentation in negative-ion fast-atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry. These species occur at very low abundance and are not detected in the fast-atom bombardment spectra because they are hidden in the background. However, the collision-induced dissociation fragmentation of ions selected at the mass-to-charge ratio values that correspond to these species display characteristic signals that are completely different from the signals observed from pure matrix or after addition of corresponding metal hydroxide to the matrix. The main fragmentation observed is the loss of the neutral metal atom from RCOOCat^−., followed by a loss of CO₂ for the aromatic compounds. Neutral loss experiments also confirm the existence of these radical anions. Scans for the loss of a selected metal after addition of one of the carboxylic acid salts to the matrix display abundant peaks at mass-to-charge ratio values that correspond to the salt radical anions. Some weaker peaks appear at other mass-to-charge ratio values independent of the salt that is used and also are observed from the matrix when the corresponding metal hydroxide is added. When alkali metal salts from some deuterated acids are analyzed, the predicted shifts are observed. The loss of the neutral metal is more pronounced from RCOONa^−., RCOOK^−., and RCOORb^−. than from RCOOLi^−..     

Reactions of Lewis bases with tetrakisdiphenylamide uranium(IV)

The coordinatively unsaturated uranium(IV) complex U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ has been prepared via the stoichiometric reaction of diphenylamine with [(Me₃Si)₂N]₂ H₂. U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ coordinates Lewis bases such as Et₂O, THF, pyridine or (EtO)₃PO, based on electronic absorption spectroscopy and ¹H NMR studies. Exchange between U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ and U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄(L), where L is THF or pyridine, is rapid on the NMR time-scale between 307 and 323 K. Measurement of equilibrium constants for L = THF provides ΔH and ΔS values of −60 kJ mol⁻¹ and −1.8 × 10² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ coordinates and binds (EtO)₃PO much more tightly (K_eq = & > 10⁴ M⁻¹) than THF or pyridine with the exchange rate between U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ and U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄[OP(OEt)₃] being close to the NMR time-scale.     

The transition-metal assisted synthesis of the anti-octadecaborate Anion [B18H21] from the Nido-dodecahydrononaborate anion [B9H12]

When heated under reflux in CH₂Cl₂ solution with [Os(CO)₃Cl₂]₂, two nido-[B₉H₁₂]⁻ units edge-fuse to form anti-[B₁₈H₂₁]⁻.     

Das perfluortriazinium-kation als oxidationsmittel in der metallorganischen synthese—ein neuer weg zur darstellung von [Cp2MCl2](M = Mo

The oxidation of Cp₂MCl₂ (M= Mo, W) with perfluortriazinium tetrafluoroborate, [(FCN)₃F]⁺[BF₄]⁻, in the presence of a flouride ion acceptor (BF₃ or PF₅) in SO₂ solution yielded the cationic metallocene complexes [Cp₂MCl ₂]²⁺[BF₄]⁻ or [C_p2MCl₂] ²⁺[BF₄]⁻[PF₆]⁻ (M = Mo, W), respectively. In these reactions, for the first time the perfluortriazinium cation has proved to be easy to handle and a useful oxidizer in organometallic chemistry. The oxidizer strength of three fluorotriazinium cations, [(XCN)₃F]⁺ (X = F, Cl, H), has been computed ab initio (HF/6 − 31 + G) and calibrated on literature data which were obtained by local density functional calculations. It was anchored to its F⁺ zero point by an experimental value for KrF⁺. ab]Die Oxidation von Cp²MCl₂ mit (M = MO, W) Perfluortriaziniumtetrafluoroborat, [(FCN)₃F]⁺[BF₄]⁻, in Anwesenheit eines Fluoridionenakzeptors (BF₃ oder PF₅) führte in SO₂-Lösung zur Bildung der kationischen Metallocen-Komplexe [Cp₂MCl₂₊]²⁺[BF₄]₂⁻ bzw. [Cp₂MCl₂]²⁺[BF₄]⁻ [PF₆]⁻ (M = Mo, W). In diesen Reaktionen konnte erstmals gezeigt werden, daß Perfluortriazinium-Kationen einfach zu handhabende und nützliche Oxidationsmittel im Bereich der metallorganischen Synthese darstellen. Das (Mdationsvermögen von drei Fluorotriazinium-Kationen, [(XCN)₃F]⁺(X = F, Cl, H), wurde ab initio berechnet (HF/6 − 31 + G) und mit Hilfe von Literaturdaten, die mittels local density functional-Berechnungen erhalten und am experimentellen Wert von KrF ⁺ bezüglich des F⁺ Nullpunktes verankert wurden, kalibriert.     

Solvent extraction of arsenic from acid medium using zinc hexamethylenedithiocarbamate as an extractant

Using zinc hexamethylenedithiocarbamate (Zn(HMDC)₂) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and/or flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HGAAS), solvent extraction of As(III) from HCl and H₂SO₄ media into 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone (diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) was examined. Arsenic(III) was quantitatively extracted with 2.41×10⁻³ mol l⁻¹ Zn(HMDC)₂ from about 0.004 (pH 2.4) to 4 mol l⁻¹ HCl and H₂SO₄ aqueous solutions. The logarithmic conditional extraction constant of As(HMDC)₃ in the HCl–DIBK system was determined to be 8.3±0.7, by the measurement of the distribution ratios of Zn(II) and As(III). The effectiveness of the proposed extraction method was ascertained in the determination of As in geochemical standard reference materials supplied by the Geological Survey of Japan. Furthermore, the analysis of arsenic in procedural blanks was 0.083±0.003 μg l⁻¹.