Arsenous acid
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
Arsorous acid
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Other names
Arsenious acid
Arsenic oxide |
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Identifiers | |
13464-58-9 ![]() |
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ChEBI | CHEBI:49900 ![]() |
ChemSpider | 530 ![]() |
DrugBank | DB04456 ![]() |
Jmol 3D model | Interactive image |
PubChem | 545 |
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Properties | |
H3AsO3 | |
Molar mass | 125.94 g/mol |
Appearance | Only exists in aqueous solutions |
Vapor pressure | {{{value}}} |
Related compounds | |
Related compounds
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Arsenic acid |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references | |
Arsenous acid (or arsenious acid) is the inorganic compound with the formula H3AsO3. It is known to occur in aqueous solutions, but it has not been isolated as a pure material, although this fact does not detract from the significance of As(OH)3.[1]
Properties
As(OH)3 is a pyramidal molecule consisting of three hydroxyl groups bonded to arsenic. The 1H NMR spectrum of arsenous acid solutions consists of a single signal consistent with the molecule's high symmetry.[2] In contrast, the nominally related phosphorus species H3PO3 mainly adopts the structure HPO(OH)2; P(OH)3 is a very minor equilibrium component of such solutions. The differing behaviors of the As and P compounds reflect a trend whereby high oxidation states are more stable for lighter members of main group elements than their heavier congeners.[3]
Reactions
The preparation of As(OH)3 involves a slow hydrolysis of arsenic trioxide in water. Addition of base converts arsenous acid to the arsenite ions [AsO(OH)2]−, [AsO2(OH)]2−, and [AsO3]3−. The first pKa is 9.2, As(OH)3 is a weak acid.[3] Reactions attributed to aqueous arsenic trioxide are due to arsenous acid and its conjugate bases.
Toxicology
Arsenic-containing compounds are highly toxic and carcinogenic. The anhydride form of arsenous acid, arsenic trioxide, is used as a herbicide, pesticide, and rodenticide.
References
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