Arsenic acid facts for kids
Arsenic acid is a chemical compound that is also an acid. Its chemical formula is H3AsO4. It contains hydrogen and arsenate ions.
Contents
What is it Like?
Arsenic acid is a clear, solid substance. It can absorb water from the air, which means it's hygroscopic. It is also a strong oxidizing agent, which means it can easily take electrons from other chemicals. It is quite similar to phosphoric acid. Arsenic acid can lose parts of itself up to three times, forming different chemicals called arsenates. When arsenic acid mixes with iodide, it creates iodine.
How is it Made?
Arsenic acid can be made in a few ways:
- By mixing wet arsenic with ozone gas.
- By reacting arsenic trioxide with strong nitric acid.
- By dissolving arsenic pentoxide in water.
What is it Used For?
Arsenic acid has several uses:
- It is used to make some types of dyes, which are used to color things.
- It helps create certain organic arsenic compounds.
- It can be used as a preservative for wood, helping to protect it from decay.
- It is also used as a biocide, which is a chemical that kills living things like pests.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Three bottles of arsenic acid from the Great Exhibition: impure, pure and distilled.
See also
In Spanish: Ácido arsénico para niños
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Arsenic acid Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.