ARSENIC COMPOUNDS

o­Arsanilic acid (C₆H₈AsNO₃). White crystalline powder.
Syn: 4­aminobenzenearsonic acid.

Arsenazo. Reddish brown powder.
Syn: 2­(1,8­dihydroxy­3,6­disilfo­2­naphthylazo) benzenearsonic acid.

Arsenazo III (C₂₂H₁₆As₂N₄Na₂O₁₄S₂.4H₂O). Dark brown powder.

Carboxyarsenazo (C₂₃H₁₅AsN₄Na₂O¹³S₂). Brown crystalline powder.

Phenyl arsenoxide (C₆H₅As=O). Colourless crystals.
Syn: Phenylansene oxide, phenylarsine.

Phenylarsonic acid (C₆H₅AsO(OH)₂). Colourless crystals.

Sodium cacodylate (C₂H₆AsNaO₂.3H₂O). White deliquescent crystals or powder.
Syn: Dimethylarsinic acid, sodium salt.

Thorin (C₁₆H₁₀O₁₀N₂S₂AsNa₂). Orange­red powder.
Syn: Thoron, naphtharson

1(2­arsonophenylazo)2­naphthol­3,6­disulphonic2Na)
Triphenylarsine (C₁₈H₁₅As). White crystals.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces the highly toxic gas arsine.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
These compounds irritate the eyes and skin and absorption causes poisoning. They are highly toxic compounds if inhaled or ingested and the effects are cumulative. The effects of arsenic poisoning are severe stomach irritation, nervousness, thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, cyanosis, and collapse due to heart, liver and kidney damage. Skin contact over a long period may cause ulceration. The compounds are combustible. Arsine, which may be formed by heating the above compounds or by the action of aid reducing agents, is an extremely poisonous gas causing destruction of the blood and damage to liver and kidneys.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood when one is available to keep the level of exposure to dust low. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If contact was prolonged seek medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Seek immediate medical advice.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat and respirator (or work in a fume hood).
WASTE: Dissolve in a minimum of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Filter if necessary. Dilute with water until a white precipitate forms. Add just enough 6M hydrochloric acid to redissolve. Saturate with hydrogen sulphide. Filter, wash and dry the precipitate.
ENVIRONMENT
Arsenic compounds are pollutants and must be contained. 1 mg/L is toxic to water organisms.

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REFERENCES