Paris green facts for kids
Paris green, which has the chemical name copper(II) acetoarsenite, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Cu(C2H3O2)2 · 3 Cu(AsO2)2. It has copper, acetate, and arsenite ions in it. The copper is in its +2 oxidation state.
Properties
Paris green is a blue-green solid. It is extremely toxic. It has a very bright blue-green color. It darkens in air.
Preparation
It is made by reacting copper(II) acetate with arsenic trioxide and water.
Uses
Paris green was first used to kill rats in sewers in Paris. This is where it got its name from. It was used as an insecticide. It was dropped from airplanes to stop malaria in Italy. It was used as a bright green pigment. It was painted on ships to prevent barnacles from growing. In many places, Paris green is banned because it is so toxic. It is only used in a very few places.
Safety
Paris green is extremely toxic. It used to be common and so was a common poison.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A subunit of the Cu2As3O6(OAc) framework, highlighting the [As3O6]3- ligand. Color code: Cu = blue, As = large gray, C = gray, O = red.
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Use as insecticide, poster issued by US Public Health Service
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See also
In Spanish: Verde de París para niños
