Pyroarsenic acid is spelled as /ˌpaɪroʊɑrsəˈnɪk ˈæsɪd/, as per the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This means that the word is pronounced as "pie-roe-ahr-suh-nik ass-id". The term refers to a chemical compound with the chemical formula H4As2O7, which contains arsenic and oxygen. The word "pyro" comes from Greek, meaning "fire", and reflects the compound's properties as an acid that can react with heat to produce toxic fumes. The spelling of the word reflects the compound's scientific derivation and composition.
A crystalline acid, H4AS2O7, obtained by heating arsenic acid to 180° C. (356° F.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pyroarsenic acid" is primarily composed of two terms: "pyro-" and "arsenic acid".
1. "Pyro-": In the context of chemical compounds, "pyro-" typically indicates "involving fire" or "produced by heating". It comes from the Greek word "πυρός" (pyros), meaning "fire". The prefix "pyro-" is commonly used in chemistry to refer to high-temperature reactions, compounds formed by heating, or substances that release heat when reacting.
2. "Arsenic acid": Arsenic acid (H₃AsO₄) is a compound composed of arsenic, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is an inorganic acid commonly used in chemical reactions and industrial processes.