REACTION OF R(3)ASI(2)(R=ME OR ET) WITH ZINC METAL-POWDER TO PRODUCE ZNI2(ASME(3))(2) AND [ZNI2(ASET(3))](2), THE FIRST TERTIARY ARSINE COMPLEXES OF ZINC(II)

The reaction of Et(3)AsI(2) with zinc metal powder produced the dimeri c complex [ZnI2(AsEt(3))](2), whereas that of Me(3)AsI(2) gave equimol ar quantities of ZnI2(AsMe(3))(2) and ZnI2, the latter being identifie d by X-ray powder diffraction. Both arsine complexes have been structu rally characterised and as such represent the only examples for zinc(I I). A structural change is thus seen on changing the R groups on the R (3)AsI(2) compound. The complex ZnI2(AsMe(3))(2) represents the sole e xample of a bis(ligand) complex of zinc(II) containing a Group 15 dono r atom. Both complexes contain the zinc atoms in essentially tetrahedr al geometry but significant distortion is noted for ZnI2(AsMe(3))(2), which may be the result of unfavourable steric interactions.