Sodium arsenite

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Sodium arsenite
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Names
IUPAC name
sodium arsenite
Other names
sodium arsenate(III)
Identifiers
7784-46-5 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:29678 N
EC Number 232-070-5
Jmol 3D model Interactive image
KEGG C11906 N
PubChem 443495
  • InChI=1S/AsHO2.Na/c2-1-3;/h(H,2,3);/q;+1/p-1
  • [O-][As]=O.[Na+]
Properties
NaAsO2
Molar mass 129.911 g/mol
Appearance white or grayish powder
hygroscopic
Density 1.87 g/cm 3
Melting point 550 °C (1,022 °F; 823 K) decomposes
156 g/100 mL
Solubility slightly soluble in alcohol
Vapor pressure {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

Sodium arsenite usually refers to the inorganic compound with the formula NaAsO2. Also called sodium meta-arsenite, it is the sodium salt of arsenous acid. Sodium arsenite also ) Na3AsO3, called sodium ortho-arsenite.[1] The compounds are colourless solids.

Catena-arsenite chains

Synthesis and structure

A mixture of sodium meta-arsenite and sodium ortho-arsenite is produced by treating arsenic trioxide with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.[2] Sodium arsenite is amorphous, typically being obtained as a powder or as a glassy mass. The compound consists of the polymer [AsO2]n
n
associated with sodium cations, Na+. The polymer backbone has the connectivity -O-As(O)-.[3]

Health Effects

Sodium arsenite can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Along with its known carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, contact with the substance can yield symptoms such as skin irritation, burns, itching, thickened skin, rash, loss of pigment, poor appetite, a metallic or garlic taste, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, decreased blood pressure, and headache. Severe acute poisoning may lead to nervous system damage resulting in weakness, poor coordination, or “pins and needles” sensations, eventual paralysis, and death.[4][5]

Application

It is primarily used as a pesticide, but has other uses such as hide preservative, antiseptic, dyeing, and soaps.[6]

Sodium arsenite is an appropriate chemical stressor to induce production of heat shock proteins.[7]

Safety

The LD50 (oral, mouse) is 40 mg/kg.[2]


References

  1. Greenwood, N. N.; & Earnshaw, A. (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd Edn.), Oxford:Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-3365-4.
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  4. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Sodium Arsenite [1] (2013-05-01)
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