Arsenate facts for kids
Arsenate is a special kind of ion. An ion is a tiny particle that has an electric charge. The chemical formula for arsenate is AsO43-. This means it has one arsenic atom and four oxygen atoms, and it carries a negative charge.
Arsenates are like the salts that form from arsenic acid. They can act as oxidizing agents, which means they can take electrons from other substances. Sometimes, when arsenic acid forms these salts, not all of its hydrogen parts are removed. This creates different types of arsenate salts, like hydrogen arsenate, with formulas such as HAsO42- or H2AsO4-.
Arsenate is interesting because it can sometimes take the place of phosphate inside living cells. Phosphate is very important for life, as it helps cells store and use energy. However, when arsenate replaces phosphate, it doesn't work the same way. This can cause the cell to stop working properly and even die. Because of this, arsenates can be toxic to many living things. But some special bacteria can actually use arsenate instead of phosphate. These are sometimes called arsenic bacteria.
Where Arsenates Are Found
Arsenates can be found naturally in many different minerals around the world. These minerals might contain arsenates that are hydrated, meaning they have water molecules attached, or anhydrous, meaning they do not have water attached.
Unlike phosphates, arsenates tend to stay in minerals even when the minerals break down over time due to weathering. Some examples of minerals that contain arsenate include adamite, alarsite, annabergite, erythrite, and legrandite.
See also
In Spanish: Arsenato para niños
