Arsenic Acid

Arsenic acid is a white, crystalline solid with the chemical formula H3AsO4. It is also known as ortho-arsenic acid, trihydrogen arsenate, or arsenic(V) acid. Arsenic acid is an inorganic compound that contains arsenic in its pentavalent state, meaning it has five valence electrons.

Arsenic acid is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled. It is used mainly in the production of pesticides, glass, ceramics, and semiconductors.

In solution, arsenic acid behaves as a weak acid, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) to form the arsenate ion (AsO43-) in water. The arsenate ion is a tetrahedral shape with four oxygen atoms surrounding a central arsenic atom.

Arsenic acid can also react with other compounds to form various salts such as sodium arsenate (Na3AsO4) and lead arsenate (Pb3(AsO4)2). These salts are often used as insecticides and herbicides in agriculture.

The toxicity of arsenic acid is due to its ability to inhibit enzymes involved in cellular metabolism. Exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin lesions, and even cancer. Therefore, it is important to handle arsenic acid with extreme caution and follow proper safety protocols.