METHYLARSINIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
-
Methylarsinic acid is an organic compound that belongs to the family of arsenic compounds commonly known as arsenicals. It is characterized as a colorless to white crystalline solid with a faint odor. The chemical formula for methylarsinic acid is CH3AsO(OH)2, indicating that it consists of one carbon atom, three hydrogen atoms, two hydroxyl groups, and one arsenic atom bonded to three oxygen atoms.
Methylarsinic acid is primarily used in various industrial processes, such as in the production of herbicides, pesticides, and mining agents. It is also found naturally as a metabolic byproduct of certain organisms, especially marine microorganisms.
In terms of its toxicological properties, methylarsinic acid is classified as a highly toxic and hazardous substance. It is known to be harmful to both human health and the environment. Exposure to methylarsinic acid can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, leading to severe health effects such as gastrointestinal disorders, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, organ damage and cancer.
Due to its toxicity, methylarsinic acid is regulated by various governmental agencies, and its use is strictly controlled and monitored. Proper handling, storage, and disposal are essential to prevent harmful exposure and contamination. In case of accidental exposure or ingestion, immediate medical attention should be sought to minimize potential health risks.
-
A bivalent organic derivative of arsenic, the sodium salt of which is obtained by treating arsenous acid in an alkaline solution with methyl iodide; it occurs in the form of white crystalline plates.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METHYLARSINIC ACID
- methylarsinic acit
- methylarsinic acil
- methylarsinnicacid
- m ethylarsinic acid
- me thylarsinic acid
- met hylarsinic acid
- meth ylarsinic acid
- methy larsinic acid
- methyl arsinic acid
- methyla rsinic acid
- methylar sinic acid
- methylars inic acid
- methylarsi nic acid
- methylarsin ic acid
- methylarsini c acid
- methylarsinic a cid
- methylarsinic ac id
- methylarsinic aci d
Etymology of METHYLARSINIC ACID
The word "methylarsinic acid" has its etymology as follows:
1. Methyl: The term "methyl" comes from the German word "methylen", which was derived from the Greek word "methy", meaning "wine" or "sweet". In the 1830s, the German chemist Justus von Liebig used this term to refer to a radical in organic chemistry that contained one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, present in compounds such as methane and methanol.
2. Arsenic: The term "arsenic" comes from the Old French word "arsen" or "artzen", which in turn was derived from the Latin word "arsenicum", ultimately derived from the Persian word "zarshin", meaning "yellow orpiment". Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol As, known for its yellow or metallic gray appearance.
