Arsenous acid
Arsenic acid is an arsenic compound with molecular formula H3AsO3. Its salts are called arsenites. They are obtained when arsenic(III) oxide is dissolved in water:
It is a weak triprotic acid (pKs1 9.23, pks2 13.52) that just barely stains litmus paper red and can be reacted with alcohols to form the corresponding esters. The salts of arsenious acid are called arsenites. In a basic environment, the solubility of arsenious acid increases because charged arsenite ions are formed:
Accordingly, the solubility decreases in an acidic environment, whereas it increases again in a strongly hydrochloric acid environment, since the formation of more soluble arsenic(III) chloride AsCl3 occurs here.
With potassium hydroxide solution the arsenious acid forms potassium arsenite, with sodium hydroxide solution sodium arsenite. Copper(II) arsenite was formerly used as a green pigment.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is arsenous acid?
A: Arsenous acid is a chemical compound that is also an acid.
Q: What is the chemical formula of arsenous acid?
A: The chemical formula of arsenous acid is As(OH)3.
Q: What type of ions does arsenous acid contain?
A: Arsenous acid contains arsenic and hydroxide ions.
Q: What is the oxidation state of arsenic in arsenous acid?
A: The oxidation state of arsenic in arsenous acid is +3.
Q: Is arsenous acid safe for consumption?
A: No, arsenous acid is not safe for consumption.
Q: What are the potential dangers of arsenous acid exposure?
A: Exposure to arsenous acid can lead to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause long-term health effects such as skin lesions, neuropathy, and cancer.
Q: What are some common uses of arsenous acid?
A: Some common uses of arsenous acid include as a wood preservative, in pesticides, and in glass production.
