Oxidation of CS4 by AsBr4+: the unexpected formation of the simple CS2Br3+ carbenium ion

During the preparation of AsBr4(+)Al(OR)4]-, the novel carbocation CS2Br3+ was synthesized by reaction of AsBr3, Br2, CS2, and AgAl(OR)4] (R=C(CF3)3). CS2Br3(+)Al(OR)4]- was characterized by its crystal structure, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (including COSMO solvation enthalpies). Additional experiments as well as the computed thermodynamics indicated two likely reaction pathways: Ag(+) +2Br2 +CS2-->CS2Br3(+) +AgBr and the direct 4e- oxidation reaction AsBr4(+) +CS2-->CS2Br3(+) + 1/6As6Br6. Both reactions were observed experimentally and were calculated to be exergonic in solution by -226 and -56 kJ mol(-1) respectively. As a result of charge delocalization the C-S and C-Br distances in the cation are shortened by 0.06 to 0.08 A; the S--Br distances are also slightly shortened indicating a delocalization of the charge also to the bromine atoms in the (S--Br moieties. Based on an analysis of the cation-anion contacts as well as quantum chemical MP2 calculations, a delocalization model as a planar 10 pi electron system is discussed and the pi molecular orbitals are given. It will be shown that the electronic situation of CS2Br3+ is very close to that in CBr3+, that is, the properties of SBr moieties and Br atoms as pi donors towards a formal C+ center are comparable.