Triisopropylarsine

Triisopropylarsine is an organoarsenic compound with the chemical formula As(CH(CH₃)₂)₃. It is a colorless liquid that is air-sensitive and has a pungent odor. The compound is synthesized through the reaction of arsenic trichloride with isopropylmagnesium bromide, a Grignard reagent. This reaction, carried out under anhydrous conditions, yields triisopropylarsine along with magnesium bromide and magnesium chloride byproducts. Due to its air sensitivity, triisopropylarsine must be handled and stored under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon, to prevent oxidation. It can react with oxygen to form triisopropylarsine oxide. Triisopropylarsine has found applications as a ligand in coordination chemistry and as a precursor in the synthesis of semiconductor materials. Its steric bulk makes it a useful ligand for stabilizing low-coordinate metal centers. However, like many organoarsenic compounds, it is considered toxic and requires careful handling due to potential health hazards.