arsenous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or containing arsenic in its trivalent state: "arsenous" describes chemical compounds where arsenic has a valence of +3, typically forming arsenous acid or arsenous oxide. This term is primarily used in chemistry to specify the oxidation state of arsenic.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of arsenous acid in the sample. (A compound containing arsenic in the +3 oxidation state.)
- Arsenous oxide is a white, odourless powder used historically in pesticides. (A chemical compound derived from trivalent arsenic.)
Advanced Usage
"arsenous acid": a weak acid with the formula H₃AsO₃, used in analytical chemistry.
- The solution was treated with arsenous acid to precipitate the metal ions. (A specific chemical reagent in a laboratory process.)
"arsenous chloride": a compound formed by arsenic and chlorine, also known as arsenic trichloride.
- Arsenous chloride is a fuming liquid used in the synthesis of organic arsenic compounds. (A reactive chemical intermediate.)
Variants and Related Words
Arsenic (n): a chemical element (As) with multiple oxidation states.
- Arsenic is a metalloid found in the Earth's crust. (The base element from which arsenous compounds derive.)
Arsenate (n): a salt or ester of arsenic acid (containing arsenic in the +5 state).
- Arsenate compounds are more stable than arsenous compounds. (A related compound with a higher oxidation state.)
Synonyms
Trivalent arsenic: a descriptive term for arsenic in the +3 state.
- Trivalent arsenic compounds are often more toxic than pentavalent ones. (Equivalent meaning in chemical contexts.)
Arsenious: an alternative spelling or variant of "arsenous".
- Arsenious oxide is another name for arsenous oxide. (Interchangeable in some contexts.)
Related Idioms
- There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "arsenous" due to its highly technical, chemical nature.