Arsenic trisulfide

chemical compound

Arsenic trisulfide, also known as orpiment or arsenic(III) sulfide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is As2S3. It has arsenic and sulfide ions in it. The arsenic is in its +3 oxidation state.

Arsenic trisulfide
Sample of arsenic trisulfide as orpiment mineral
Ball and stick unit cell model of polymeric arsenic trisulfide
Arsenic trisulfide
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Arsenic trisulfide
Other names
Arsenic(III) sulfide

Orpiment

Sulphuret of arsenic
Identifiers
  • 1303-33-9 checkY
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.013.744
EC Number
  • 215-117-4
RTECS number
  • CG2638000
UNII
  • S1[As]3S[As]2S[As](S[As]1S2)S3
Properties
As2S3
Molar mass 246.02 g·mol−1
Appearance Orange crystals
Density 3.43 g cm−3
Melting point 310 °C (590 °F; 583 K)
Boiling point 707 °C (1,305 °F; 980 K)
-70.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Structure[1]
P21/n (No. 11)
a = 1147.5(5) pm

, b = 957.7(4) pm

, c = 425.6(2) pm
α = 90°, β = 90.68(8)°, γ = 90°


pyramidal (As)
Hazards
NFPA 704

0
3
0
 
U.S. Permissible
exposure limit (PEL)
[1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3
Related compounds
Other anions {{{value}}}
Other cations {{{value}}}
Related compounds {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Properties

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Arsenic trisulfide is a yellow solid. It is a semiconductor. It has a glass (amorphous) form and a crystalline form. It burns in air to make sulfur dioxide and arsenic trioxide, which makes a highly toxic smoke. Arsenic trisulfide can oxidize on the surface to make a highly toxic layer of arsenic trioxide as well. Arsenic trisulfide is not toxic unless it oxidizes. It does not react with acids.

Occurrence

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Arsenic trisulfide is found as the mineral orpiment.

Preparation

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Arsenic trisulfide is made when an arsenic compound like arsenic trichloride reacts with hydrogen sulfide. It is also made when arsenic and sulfur are heated together.

It was looked at for treating cancer. It was used by the Egyptians as a pigment and cosmetic. It is used in glass.

References

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  1. Mullen, D. J. E.; Nowacki, W (1972), "Refinement of the crystal structures of realgar, AsS and orpiment, As2S3" (PDF), Z. Kristallogr., 136 (1–2): 48–65, doi:10.1524/zkri.1972.136.1-2.48.
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