Arsenic pentoxide

chemical compound

Arsenic pentoxide, also known as arsenic(V) oxide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is As2O5. It has arsenic and oxide ions in it. The arsenic is in its +5 oxidation state. More common is arsen in its oxidation state +3 as As2O3 (arsenic trioxide or arsenic(III) oxide). The LD50 for arsenic pentoxide is 8mg/kg for rats.[1] When the substance becomes wet, it turns into arsenic acid, which corrodes metals.

A 3D-model of arsenic pentoxide.

Properties change

Arsenic pentoxide is a white, odourless solid.[1] It dissolves easily in water to make arsenic acid. It is highly toxic, as are almost all arsenic compounds.[1][2][3] It is a powerful oxidizing agent. It reacts with hydrochloric acid to make chlorine. As2O5 breaks down to arsenic trioxide and oxygen when heated to about 300°C.[4]

 

It reacts with bases to make arsenates. The energy for the reaction is taken from the heating.

Preparation change

Arsenic pentoxide cannot be produced by burning arsen. That only results in As2O3. To produce arsenic pentoxid, arsenic acid will be dehydrated. This is done with phosphorus(V) oxide.

 

The arsenic pentoxide drops out as white powder.[5]

Uses change

Arsenic pentoxide is used to make pesticides and insecticides. It is also used in glass industry.[6]

Related pages change

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "ARSENIC PENTOXIDE". chemicalland21.com. 2012 [last update]. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  2. Hudson, T. G. (2012) [last update]. "Toxicity of Arsenic Compounds". Ncbi.NLM.nih.gov. 20 (3): 251. PMC 1039212.
  3. "ARSENIC Toxicity". manbir-online.com. 2012 [last update]. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  4. Wiberg, Nils; Arnold Holleman (2007). Lehrbuch der Anorganischen Chemie. Berlin, New York: de Gruyter. p. 845. ISBN 978-3-11-017770-1.
  5. Wiberg, Nils; Arnold Holleman (2007). Lehrbuch der Anorganischen Chemie. Berlin, New York: de Gruyter. p. 844. ISBN 978-3-11-017770-1.
  6. "Arsenic pentoxide Manufacturers Suppliers in China CAS No 1303-28-2 | Xilan Chemicals Co Ltd Leading Chemical Manufacturer and Trader". xilanchem.com. 2012 [last update]. Retrieved 6 August 2012.[permanent dead link]