Arsenic trichloride

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Arsenic trichloride
Ball-and-stick model of arsenic trichloride
Other names Arsenic(III) chloride
butter of arsenic
Identifiers
CAS number [7784-34-1]
Properties
Molecular formula AsCl3
Molar mass 181.279 g/mol
Appearance colourless liquid
Density 2.15 g/cm3, liquid
Melting point

−16 °C

Boiling point

130 °C

Solubility in water decomposes
Hazards
EU classification not listed
NFPA 704
0
4
0
 
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Arsenic trichloride is the chemical compound with the formula AsCl3. This colourless liquid is a starting reagent for the synthesis of organoarsenic compounds, such as triphenylarsine.

It is prepared by treatment of arsenic(III) oxide with concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by distillation:

As2O3 + 6 HCl → 2 AsCl3 + 3 H2O

Thus, in contrast to PCl3, this compound has increased stability in the presence of acidic water.[1] It undergoes a redistribution with As2O3 and AsCl3 gives the linear polymer AsOCl. With chloride sources, AsCl3, forms salts containing the anion [AsCl4].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.