SODIUM CACODYLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Sodium cacodylate is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3)2AsO2Na. It is an organometallic compound containing sodium and arsenic. The term "sodium" refers to the presence of sodium in the compound, while "cacodylate" originates from the Greek words "kakos" meaning bad or foul, and "odes" meaning odor. Sodium cacodylate is commonly used as a laboratory reagent, particularly in biological and biochemical research.
As a reagent, sodium cacodylate is primarily utilized as a buffering agent to maintain a stable pH level in various experimental procedures. It is frequently employed in electron microscopy as a fixative for biological samples, aiding in the preservation and preparation of tissues for imaging. Sodium cacodylate offers the advantage of being less toxic compared to other arsenic compounds, making it a safer alternative in laboratory applications.
The compound is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It can also be synthesized using various methods, including the reaction of dimethylarsenic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is important to note that although sodium cacodylate is generally considered less toxic than other arsenic compounds, it should still be handled with caution, as prolonged exposure or ingestion can lead to health risks.
Etymology of SODIUM CACODYLATE
The word "sodium cacodylate" is derived from two different roots: "sodium" and "cacodylate".
1. Sodium: The term "sodium" originates from the Medieval Latin word "sodicum", which in turn comes from the Arabic word "suda", meaning "headache". It was originally used to refer to the compound sodium carbonate (commonly known as soda ash). The element sodium (Na) itself was named after sodium carbonate.
2. Cacodylate: The term "cacodylate" can be traced back to the Greek word "kakodes" which means "badly smelling" or "offensive". The Greek word was then combined with the Latin suffix "-ylate" (from "hylus" meaning "wood, material") to form "cacodylate".
