Matrix Isolation of the Arsinoborene F2B–As═BF with an As═B Double Bond Character

We report on the generation of F₂B–As═BF, an arsinoborene (boranylidenearsane) with a genuine As═B double bond, where both the As and B atoms are two-coordinate. It was obtained from the reaction of AsF₃ with laser-ablated boron atoms under cryogenic conditions in neon and argon matrices. In addition, the single-bonded arsenic–boron radicals FB–AsF₂ and F₂B–AsF were characterized. These species were identified by infrared spectroscopy and ^10/11B isotope substitution in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations at the B3LYP and CCSD(T) levels of theory. The isomerization from FB–AsF₂ to F₂B–AsF can be triggered by irradiation with ultraviolet light (λ = 275 nm) in argon. This discovery of the arsinoborene F₂B–As═BF further extends the series of multiple-bonded systems between heavy main group elements and boron.

The arsinoborene F₂B−As═BF features two-coordinate arsenic and boron atoms and a genuine As═B double bond. Additionally, the photolysis behavior of new boron−arsenic compounds upon irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light of λ = 275 nm enabled the spectroscopic identification of FB−AsF₂ and F₂B−AsF.