Synthesis of arsonium salts and betaines based on triphenylarsine and ω-bromoalkanoic acids

The reactions between Ph₃As and ω-bromoalkanoic acids with the length of polymethylene fragment n = 5, 7, 9 afford quaternary arsonium salts. Their treatment with alkali gives biologically active arsenobetaines. Solvent-free reactions of Ph₃P or Ph₃As with 2,3-dibromopropionic acid lead to the corresponding arsonium and phosphonium salts bearing (CH₂)₂COOH substituent.