Arsenic (As)

Atomic Number33
Atomic Mass74.9215956 u
CategoryMetalloid
Electron Config[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p³
Appearancemetallic grey
Density (STP)5727 g/L
Melting Point1090 K
Boiling Point887 K
Electronegativity2.18 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy947 kJ/mol
Atomic Radius115 pm
Crystal StructureSimple Trigonal
Discovered ByBronze Age (1250)

Brief Introduction

Arsenic (As) is a steel-gray, brittle, crystalline metalloid that occurs in several allotropic forms. It is notorious for its toxicity but has important industrial and technological applications. Key details about Arsenic (As) are as follows:

Uses: Used in semiconductors (gallium arsenide GaAs for high-speed electronics and optoelectronics), wood preservatives (chromated copper arsenate, CCA, now restricted), alloying agent (lead-arsenic alloys for ammunition and batteries), pesticides (now largely banned), and in some pharmaceutical applications (arsenic trioxide treats certain leukemias).

Production/Extraction: Produced mainly as arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) from copper and lead smelting, or from arsenopyrite (FeAsS) ore. China and Morocco are major producers. Often obtained as a byproduct since dedicated arsenic mining is rare.

History: Known since ancient times; compounds used as poisons, pigments, and medicines. Elemental arsenic isolated by Albertus Magnus around 1250 CE. Name from Greek "arsenikon" (yellow orpiment mineral), itself from Arabic and Persian. Widely used in the Victorian era as a poison.

Health Effects & Safety: Highly toxic—arsenic and its compounds are carcinogenic and can cause acute poisoning (nausea, vomiting, death) or chronic poisoning (skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease). Contaminated groundwater affects millions globally. Paradoxically, arsenic trioxide treats certain cancers.

Price/Market: Limited commercial market due to toxicity concerns and environmental regulations. Most applications have been phased out or restricted. Semiconductor applications continue.

Properties: Exists in gray (metallic), yellow, and black allotropes. Gray arsenic is the most stable and conducts electricity poorly. Sublimes when heated (turns directly from solid to gas at 615°C), exhibits +3 and +5 oxidation states, and forms toxic compounds.

← Germanium (Ge) · Selenium (Se) →

Periodic Table