Potassium arsenate facts for kids
Potassium arsenate is a chemical compound. It's a substance made from different chemical parts. Its chemical formula can be K3AsO4, K2HAsO4, or KH2AsO4. This means it contains potassium and arsenate ions, which are tiny charged particles.
What is Potassium Arsenate Like?
Potassium arsenate is a white, solid material. It can easily dissolve in water, much like sugar or salt. It is also an oxidizing agent, which means it can cause other chemicals to lose electrons in a reaction.
Important Safety Note: Potassium arsenate is extremely dangerous. It is highly toxic, meaning it's very poisonous and can cause serious harm if touched or swallowed. It is also carcinogenic, which means it can cause cancer. Because of these dangers, it must be handled with extreme care by trained professionals only.
How is it Made and What Was it Used For?
Scientists create potassium arsenate by mixing potassium hydroxide with arsenic acid. By changing the amount of potassium hydroxide used, they can make the different forms of potassium arsenate with their unique chemical formulas.
A long time ago, potassium arsenate was sometimes used in medicine. However, because it is so toxic and dangerous, it is no longer used for medical purposes today. Its harmful properties make it unsafe for any use involving people or animals.
Related Pages
- Potassium arsenite
- Lead arsenate
- Potassium phosphate
