Arsenic Acid Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Arsenic Acid Formula: Arsenic acid, also known as arsoric acid, Holds the chemical formula H₃AsO₄. To provide a more detailed description, it can be represented as AsO(OH)₃. This Colorless acid serves as the arsenic counterpart to phosphoric acid and shares similar behaviors with arsenate and phosphate salts. Arsenic acid is typically not isolated in its pure form but rather exists in solution, where it primarily exists in an ionized state. It’s hemihydrate form, 2H₃AsO₄·H₂O, can form stable crystalline structures, although these samples will lose water through dehydration when exposed to temperatures of around 100 °C.

Arsenic is a chemical element denoted by the symbol As, and it holds the atomic number 33. This naturally occurring element is widespread, being present in rocks, soil, water, air, as well as in plants and animals. Arsenic is classified as a metalloid and exists in various allotropes, with its gray form being of particular significance for industrial applications.

Arsenic Acid Formula

Arsenic acid is an oxoacid of arsenic, featuring one oxo group and three hydroxy groups bonded to a central arsenic atom. It acts as the conjugate acid of an arsenate ion (1-) and an arsenate ion. In its liquid state, arsenic acid appears as a clear and colorless aqueous solution and is noncombustible. In its solid form, it appears as white crystals and is also referred to as Orthoarsenic acid. Arsenic acid finds utility as a wood preservative, a finishing agent for glass and metal, and as a reagent in the synthesis of various dyestuffs and organic arsenic compounds.

The chemical formula for arsenic acid, also known as the arsenic acid formula, is elucidated in this text. Arsenic shares its five electrons with four oxygen atoms. Three of these oxygen atoms attain electron completeness by sharing electrons with three hydrogen atoms. As a result, arsenic acid comprises arsenic, four oxygen, and three hydrogen atoms. The atomic mass of arsenic acid is calculated at 141.94 g/mol.

Arsenic Acid Formula Structure

Arsenic acid formula is H₃AsO₄. Arsenic acid is an oxoacid of arsenic characterized by the presence of one oxo group and three hydroxy groups, all bonded to the central arsenic atom. This compound exists as a clear, colorless solution in its liquid form and as white, translucent crystals in its solid state. Notably, arsenic acid is hygroscopic and non-combustible.

Preparation of Arsenic Acid

Arsenic acid can be synthesized by reacting arsenic trioxide with concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃). This reaction also produces dinitrogen trioxide as a byproduct:

As₂O₃ + 2HNO₃ + 2H₂O → 2H₃AsO₄ + N₂O₃

Subsequently, the resulting solution can be cooled to yield colorless crystals of the hemihydrate H₃AsO₄·1⁄2H₂O. Alternatively, when crystallization occurs at lower temperatures, the dihydrate form H₃AsO₄·2H₂O is produced.

Arsenic Acid Formula Physical Properties

Arsenic acid exhibits distinct physical properties:

In its liquid state, it takes the form of a colorless aqueous solution.

When solidified, it appears as white crystalline material.

Arsenic acid is highly soluble in water.

Its melting point is 35.5 °C.

Its boiling point is 120 °C.

Arsenic Acid Formula Chemical Properties

Arsenic can undergo a chemical reaction with three molecules of water and ozone to produce arsenic acid:

2As + 3H₂O + 5O₃ → 2H₃AsO₄ + 5O₂

Uses of Arsenic Acid

Arsenic acid finds various practical uses in different industries:

It serves as a reagent in the synthesis of certain dyes.

Arsenic acid is used as a finishing agent in the manufacturing of metal and glass products.

It is utilized in wood preservatives.

Arsenic acid also functions as a broad-spectrum biocide.

Safety

Arsenic acid is highly hazardous and carcinogenic, much like all compounds containing arsenic. Additionally, it exhibits corrosive properties. For instance, its LD50 in rabbits stands at 6 mg/kg (0.006 g/kg).