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Arsorous acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
H3AsO2
IUPAC name
arsorous acid
State
State

At room temperature, arsorous acid typically exists as a solid but can be in aqueous solution due to its behavior in water. However, it is often characterized by its white or colorless solid state when isolated.

Melting point (Celsius)
5.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
278.75
Boiling point (Celsius)
236.85
Boiling point (Kelvin)
510.00
General information
Molecular weight
125.94g/mol
Molar mass
125.9430g/mol
Density
2.5000g/cm3
Appearence

Arsorous acid is not commonly encountered in a pure form due to its instability, but it is typically presented in a colorless or white solid form when isolated. Being a chemical compound of arsenic, it is also notable for its potential toxicity and limited stability under atmospheric conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Arsenous Acid (H3AsO2)

Arsenous acid, with the chemical formula H3AsO2, exhibits interesting solubility properties that are noteworthy. In general, this compound is considered to be soluble in water, which is an important characteristic to observe when working with arsenous acid in various applications.

Some key points regarding its solubility include:

  • Moderate Solubility: Arsenous acid is known to dissolve moderately well in water, which allows it to participate in aqueous chemical reactions.
  • pH Influence: The solubility may be influenced by the pH of the solution; at more acidic conditions, the solubility increases.
  • Complex Formation: In solution, H3AsO2 can form complexes with various metal ions, potentially enhancing its solubility.

Despite its solubility, it is essential to handle arsenous acid with caution due to its toxicity. As a general rule, remember that solubility plays a critical role in the behavior of chemical compounds in different environments:

  • Effects on reactivity of the compound.
  • Influence on bioavailability in biological systems.
  • Determination of its applications across industries.

In conclusion, while arsenous acid (H3AsO2) is soluble in water, it is essential to consider the factors that may affect its solubility and understand its implications in both chemical and ecological contexts.

Interesting facts

Intriguing Insights into Arsenous Acid

Arsenous acid, known scientifically as H3AsO2, is a fascinating compound that plays a unique role in the chemistry of arsenic. Here are some captivating facts about this compound:

  • Source of Arsenic: Arsenous acid is a crucial intermediate in the transformation of arsenic from its elemental form to various other oxidized states.
  • Acidic Nature: As a weak acid, it exhibits interesting behaviors in solutions, demonstrating the ability to donate protons, which can lead to increased acidity in solution.
  • Analytical Applications: This compound is often used in analytical chemistry to detect the presence of arsenic, making it a valuable tool in environmental and forensic studies.
  • Biological Significance: While arsenic is widely known for its toxicity, some studies have suggested possible roles of arsenous acid in biological systems, particularly in microorganisms that can metabolize arsenic.
  • Historical Context: The understanding of arsenous acid has evolved over time. It has been studied since the days of alchemy, and its properties continue to intrigue modern chemists.

Notable Reactions

Arsenous acid participates in various chemical reactions, exhibiting behaviors typical of both acids and oxides. For instance:

  • It can react with alkali hydroxides to form arsenites, which are salts of arsenous acid.
  • It can undergo oxidation to yield arsenic acid (H3AsO4), revealing its significance in the chemistry of arsenic.

In summary, arsenous acid is not merely a compound of arsenic but a pivotal player in the broader narrative of arsenic chemistry. Its multifaceted nature and applications make it a topic worthy of study and exploration in both academic and practical contexts.

Synonyms
Arsenous acid
arsorous acid
13464-58-9
TRIHYDROXYARSENITE(III)
arsenic trihydroxide
H3AsO3
arsenous trioxide
As(OH)3
diarsonic trioxide
trihydroxidoarsenic
trioxoarsenic acid
Arsenious acid (H3AsO3)
UNII-935XD1L5K2
CHEBI:49900
935XD1L5K2
arsenic (III) trioxide
[As(OH)3]
trihydrogen trioxoarsenate(3-)
DTXSID7074828
ARSENOUS ACID (H3ASO3)
(As(OH)3)
rubidium dihydroorthoarsenate
Arsenic (white)
Arsenic oxide (3)
AArsenite (AsO33-)
Arsenous acid ion(3-)
arsenous oxide anhydride
Arsenic sesquioxide (As2O3)
CHEMBL1236189
DTXCID3034240
GCPXMJHSNVMWNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
ARSENIOUS OXIDE, 99.999%
DB04456
Q423271