Trimethylarsine

Trimethylarsine is an organometallic compound of arsenic. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is primarily used in the synthesis of other organoarsenic compounds. It is one of the simplest organometallics of arsenic.

Structure and Bonding

Trimethylarsine has a tetrahedral geometry, with the arsenic atom at the center. The arsenic atom is bonded to three methyl groups and one lone pair of electrons. The molecular geometry is similar to that of other tetrahedral molecules, such as methane.

Synthesis

Trimethylarsine can be synthesized by the reaction of methyl iodide with sodium arsenide. The reaction proceeds via an SN2 mechanism, with the methyl iodide acting as the electrophile and the sodium arsenide as the nucleophile.

Applications

Trimethylarsine is primarily used in the synthesis of other organoarsenic compounds. It can also be used as a ligand in coordination chemistry, due to its ability to donate its lone pair of electrons to a metal center.

Safety

Trimethylarsine is a toxic compound and should be handled with care. It is flammable and can cause burns and eye damage. It is also harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

See also

• Organoarsenic chemistry
• Organometallic chemistry
• Methyl iodide
• Sodium arsenide