Arsenous acid, a chemical compound with the chemical formula H3AsO3, is pronounced /ɑrˈsɛnəs ˈæsɪd/. The spelling of this word may seem challenging, but it follows the rules of English phonetics. The word starts with the stressed syllable, "ar." The "s" in "arsenous" is pronounced as /z/ due to the following voiced consonant. The final syllable "-ous" is pronounced as /əs/. Similarly, "acid" is pronounced as /ˈæsɪd/ following the stressed syllable "as." Overall, the spelling of "arsenous acid" reflects the sounds of the English language.
Arsenous acid is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula H3AsO3. It is also commonly known as arsenic(III) acid or arsenious acid. Arsenous acid is a white, crystalline solid that is highly toxic and can be found naturally in small amounts in the environment. It is created as a result of arsenic oxidation or from the reaction of arsenic with acids.
In its pure form, arsenous acid is odorless and tasteless. It is a weak acid, partially ionizing in water to form arsenite ions (AsO3-), which are capable of forming a range of different salts. These salts, known as arsenites, are used in various industries, including medicine, glass manufacturing, and agriculture.
Exposure to arsenous acid can have severe health consequences, as arsenic is a highly poisonous substance. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system. Long-term exposure to arsenous acid can lead to serious health conditions, including skin lesions, cancer, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Due to its toxic nature, arsenous acid must be handled with extreme caution. Protective clothing, including gloves and goggles, should be worn when working with this compound to minimize the risk of contamination and exposure. Proper storage and disposal methods should also be followed to prevent environmental contamination.
Acidum arseniosum, arseni trioxidum, As2O3.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arsenous acid" originates from the combination of two components: "arsenic" and "acid".
1. Arsenic: The term "arsenic" comes from the Latin word "arsenicum", which was derived from the Greek word "arsenikon". This Greek word was used to refer to a yellow mineral, also known as orpiment or realgar, which contains arsenic.
2. Acid: The term "acid" has its roots in the Latin word "acidus", which means sour. This Latin word was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "h₂eyd-" or "h₂ed-" that also means sour.
Hence, the combination of "arsenic" (referring to the element) and "acid" (a sour chemical compound) results in the term "arsenous acid".