Synthesis and Structure of Binary Copper/Silver–Arsenic Clusters Derived from Zintl Ion As73–

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryPolyarsenides containing coinage metals, [As7Cu(PPh3)]2– (1) and [M2As14]4– (M = Cu, 2; Ag, 3), were synthesized by reactions of the nominal composition K3As7 with Group 11 metal complexes. The possible intermediate, cluster 1, was isolated from the solution phase through subtle changes in reaction conditions in the formation process of complex 2. Hence, we establish the pathway of the bimetallic bridged clusters [Cu2As14]4– by the oxidation of the [As7Cu(PPh3)]2–. Quantum chemical calculations reveal the presence of metallophilic interaction in clusters 2 and 3.