Arsenic Compounds

Abstract

Abstract Arsenic is the third member of the nitrogen family of elements. In the majority of arsenic compounds the arsenic atom is in the tetrahedral valence state. A variety of inorganic and organic compounds are used in commerce, however, arsenic trioxide is the most consumed of all the compounds. China is the world leader in arsenic trioxide production. This article gives physical properties, preparation, and uses of many inorganic compounds of arsenic, eg, halides, hydrides, oxides, acid, and sulfides, and organic compounds, eg, arsines, haloarsines, diarsines, arsenin, arsonic acid, and arsine oxides. Arsenic compounds must be considered extremely poisonous. Arsenic compounds are used in fertilizers, herbicides, preparation of wood preservative (CCA), fireworks, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals.