| Formula / Notation | As |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 7440-38-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.92 |
| Melting Point | 81.2 |
| Boiling Point | 614.0 |
| Density | 5.73 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble (1.7 mg/L at 25 C) |
| Appearance | Steel-grey crystalline metalloid (grey form); yellow amorphous form |
| Also Known As | As, arsenic element |
| Category | Elements |
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a metalloid, atomic number 33. A notorious poison since antiquity. Occurs naturally and from industrial contamination of groundwater. Also has industrial uses in semiconductors and wood preservatives. Groundwater arsenic contamination affects millions in South/SE Asia.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: Arsenic
Other Names / Synonyms: As, arsenic element
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 81.2 |
| Boiling Point | 614.0 |
| Density | 5.73 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.92 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble (1.7 mg/L at 25 C) |
| Appearance | Steel-grey crystalline metalloid (grey form); yellow amorphous form |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Arsenic is a metalloid, atomic number 33. A notorious poison since antiquity. Occurs naturally and from industrial contamination of groundwater. Also has industrial uses in semiconductors and wood preservatives. Groundwater arsenic contamination affects millions in South/SE Asia.
GaAs semiconductor (high-speed electronics, solar cells). Wood preservative (chromated copper arsenate - CCA). Pesticides and herbicides (historical). Lead shot hardener. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in cancer treatment (acute promyelocytic leukaemia). Glass decolourant.
Highly toxic - IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Inorganic arsenic: LD50 ~300 mg/kg. Chronic exposure causes skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, liver damage, lung/bladder/skin cancer. Arsenic trioxide: very toxic (LD50 14.6 mg/kg). Arsine (AsH3): extremely toxic gas. Strict regulatory limits.
The formula or notation for Arsenic is: As