POTASSIUM ARSENATE

Chemical properties

Colorless crystals. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

Chemical properties

Potassium arsenate is a colorless to white crystalline solid.

The Uses of POTASSIUM ARSENATE

In the textile, tanning, and paper industries. In insecticidal formulations (especially fly paper).

Preparation

Monopotassium arsenate(V) is prepared by calcining a mixture of equal parts of arsenic oxide and potassium nitrate in cast-iron cylinders, leach ing the melt with water, and concentrating the solution with arsenic acid. It forms white crystal crusts.

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of arsenic. See also ARSENIC COMPOUNDS.

Potential Exposure

Potassium arsenate is used in the textile, tanning, preserving hides; in the textile printing and paper industries; and as an insecticide in fly baits, especially for fly paper; as laboratory reagent.

Shipping

UN1677 Potassium arsenate, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

A weak base. Reacts with strong oxidizers, bromine azide, acids and decomposes on contact with strong acids producing acetic acid fumes. Arsine, a very deadly gas, can be released in the presence of acid, acid mists, or hydrogen gas.