Cleavage of Pentaphenyl Arsenic and Antimony Derivatives with Halogens and lnterhalogens

Chemistry Department, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002

Manuscript received 30 November 1984, revised 4 August 1986, accepted 12 August 1986

Facile and specific cleavage of metal — carbon bond(s) has been found to occur when pentaphenyl—arsenic or — antimony derivatives are treated with halogens (Br₂I₂) and inter-halogens (ICI, IBr) under controlled conditions.