A simple route to multifunctional phosphide and amide donor sets; syntheses and structures of [{ButPAs(NMe2)2}K.pmdeta]2 and [{CyNAs(NMe2)2K}2]∞

The syntheses of [(BuPAs)-P-t(NMe2)(2)K.pmedta](2) 1 and [{CyN-As(NMe2)(2)K}(2)](infinity) 2 from the reactions of [As(NMe2)(3)] with (BuPH2)-P-t and CyNH2, respectively, in the presence of potassiated bases exemplify a general approach to multifunctional secondary phosphide and amide anions containing variable sets of group 15 donor centres.