Arsenic Pentasulfide

Arsenic pentasulfide is a chemical compound with the formula As2S5. It is a yellow solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Arsenic pentasulfide can be prepared by reacting arsenic trisulfide with sulfur at high temperatures, or by reacting arsenic trioxide with hydrogen sulfide gas.

In its solid state, arsenic pentasulfide exhibits a layered structure, where each arsenic atom is bonded to four sulfur atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. The layers are held together by van der Waals forces.

Arsenic pentasulfide is primarily used as a reagent in organic chemistry for the conversion of alcohols to thiols. It is also used in semiconductor production and as a component in some optical glasses.

Arsenic pentasulfide is toxic if ingested or inhaled, and it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Proper personal protective equipment should be worn when handling this compound, and it should only be used in a well-ventilated area.