arsenic acid
Definition
- Noun:
- An inorganic acid derived from arsenic pentoxide: Arsenic acid is a chemical compound with the formula H₃AsO₄. It is a highly toxic, crystalline acid formed when arsenic pentoxide (As₂O₅) dissolves in water.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The laboratory synthesized a small quantity of arsenic acid for the experiment.
- Arsenic acid is a potent oxidizing agent used in some industrial processes.
- Due to its toxicity, handling arsenic acid requires extreme caution and proper safety equipment.
Advanced Usage
- In chemical synthesis: Arsenic acid is sometimes used as a precursor or reagent in the synthesis of other arsenic compounds.
- The reaction utilized arsenic acid to produce the desired arsenate salt.
- In wood preservation (historical context): Arsenic acid and its salts (arsenates) were historically used in wood preservatives, though this use has been heavily restricted.
- Old pressure-treated lumber may contain traces of compounds derived from arsenic acid.
Variants and Related Words
- Arsenate (n): A salt or ester of arsenic acid.
- Copper arsenate was once a common pesticide.
- Arsenic pentoxide (n): The oxide (As₂O₅) that reacts with water to form arsenic acid.
Synonyms
- Orthoarsenic acid: The systematic name for H₃AsO₄, distinguishing it from other arsenic acids.
Important Notes
- Toxicity Warning: Arsenic acid and all arsenic compounds are highly poisonous and carcinogenic. This word primarily appears in scientific, industrial, or regulatory contexts concerning hazardous materials. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Noun
-
an acid formed from arsenic pentoxide
