The 2‐Arsaethynolate Anion: Synthesis and Reactivity Towards Heteroallenes

The synthesis and isolation of the 2‐arsaethynolate anion, AsCO(−), and its subsequent reactivity towards heteroallenes is reported. Reactions with ketenes and carbodiimides afford four‐membered anionic heterocycles in formal [2+2] cycloaddition reactions. By contrast, reaction with an isocyanate yielded a 1,4,2‐diazaarsolidine‐3,5‐dionide anion and the unprecedented cluster anions As(10) (2−) and As(12) (4−). These preliminary reactivity studies hint at the enormous potential synthetic utility of this novel anion, which may be employed as an arsenide (As(−)) source.