The spelling of the word Arsanilic Acid is quite pronounced with the pronunciation /ɑrˌsæn ɪˈlɪk ˈæs ɪd/. The word is spelled as it is due to its origin in chemistry. The first part, "arsanilic," comes from "arsenic" and "aniline," two chemical compounds present in the compound. The second part, "acid," emphasizes its acidic properties. Arsanilic Acid is commonly used in the agriculture industry as a feed additive for livestock to treat and prevent parasitic infections.
Arsanilic acid is an organic compound belonging to the family of aromatic amines. It is commonly referred to as 4-aminobenzenearsonic acid and has a chemical formula of C6H8AsNO3. Arsanilic acid is mainly used as a veterinary drug and is classified as an organoarsenic compound.
In terms of its properties, arsanilic acid appears as a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 217.04 grams per mole and a melting point of around 135°C. This compound is typically odorless, although it may have a slightly acidic taste.
Arsanilic acid is primarily utilized as a feed additive in the livestock industry, particularly in the poultry sector. It is known for its antimicrobial properties and is commonly added to animal feed to prevent and treat bacterial infections in farm animals. Additionally, arsanilic acid has been used as a growth promoter, aiding in the efficiency of animal feeding and promoting weight gain.
Although arsanilic acid was widely adopted in livestock production in the past, its use has been significantly restricted due to concerns about the potential accumulation of arsenic in animal products and its impact on human health. Therefore, regulatory bodies have imposed strict regulations on its application and dosage in order to mitigate these risks.
The word "Arsanilic Acid" is derived from its chemical composition and structure. The term "acid" indicates that it is a chemical compound with acidic properties. "Arsanilic" refers to its chemical structure, which consists of an arsenic (As) atom bonded to a phenyl ring. The prefix "arso-" in "arsenic" comes from the Latin word "arsenicum", which itself comes from the Persian word "zarnikh" meaning "yellow orpiment". The term "anilic" indicates that it is formed by the combination of aniline (C6H5NH2), an organic compound with an amino group (-NH2) attached to a phenyl ring. Thus, the etymology of the word "Arsanilic Acid" lies in its chemical constituents and their origins.