Arylarsonic acid is a chemical compound commonly used as a pesticide and animal feed additive. The word "arylarsonic" is pronounced /æɹiːlɑɹˈsɒnɪk/ and is spelled to reflect its components: "aryl" from the aromatic ring and "arsenic" from the element present in the compound. The spelling of the word also follows English language phonetics rules. While it might seem difficult to pronounce at first, understanding the spelling and phonetics can help make it more manageable.
Arylarsonic acid is an organic compound belonging to the family of organoarsenic compounds. It is characterized by the presence of an aryl group bonded to an arsenic atom, hence the name "arylarsonic acid." The aryl group can vary, consisting of a benzene ring or other aromatic rings with substituents.
Arylarsonic acids are typically used as medicinal agents, especially as antimicrobial or anthelmintic drugs. They have been extensively studied for their potent antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The mechanism of action of arylarsonic acids involves inhibiting key enzymes or disrupting metabolic pathways essential for the survival and growth of pathogens.
These compounds are often synthesized by introducing an aryl group onto an arsenic compound, usually using synthetic methods such as direct arylations or aryl halide substitution. The resulting arylarsonic acid can be further modified by functional group transformations to achieve desired properties or enhance biological activity.
Due to their therapeutic potential, arylarsonic acids have found applications in both human and veterinary medicine. They have been used to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin infections. In veterinary medicine, these compounds have been employed to combat parasitic infestations, particularly in livestock animals.
However, it is important to note that arylarsonic acids are toxic and can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, their usage is strictly regulated and monitored to ensure safe and effective administration.
An arsonic acid to which a radical of the aryl group is attached.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arylarsonic acid" has a straightforward etymology.
"Aryl" refers to an aromatic organic compound that contains a functional group called an aryl group. An aryl group is a cyclic structure composed of carbon atoms bonded to each other, forming a ring, and with at least one attached aromatic system, which consists of alternating single and double bonds.
"Larsonic" is derived from "larsen", which is a surname. In this context, it refers to the Danish chemist Johannes Anton Larsen, who first synthesized this type of compound.
"Acid" refers to a class of compounds that are typically sour-tasting and have the ability to donate a proton (H+) or accept an electron pair in chemical reactions.
Combining these elements, "arylarsonic acid" denotes an acid that contains an aryl group and arsenic.