POTASSIUM ARSENITE

Chemical properties

White powder. Hygroscopic; decom- poses slowly in air. Variable composition. Keep well stoppered. Soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol.

The Uses of POTASSIUM ARSENITE

Reducing agent in silvering mirrors.

General Description

A white powder. Toxic by ingestion and by inhalation.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water. Decomposes slowly in air.

Reactivity Profile

Salts, basic, such as POTASSIUM ARSENITE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Unstable. Avoid aeration. [EPA, 1998].

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant.

Health Hazard

Very toxic: probable oral lethal dose in humans is 50-500 mg/kg, or between 1 teaspoonful and one ounce for a 150-lb. adult. It is a skin irritant and allergen. Acute allergic reactions to arsenic compounds are fairly common.

Fire Hazard

Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Unstable. Avoid aeration.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen producing skin and liver tumors. Poison by ingestion, skin contact, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Human mutation data reported. Human systemic effects: dermatitis, liver changes. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of As and K2O. Used in veterinary mehcine and for chronic dermatitis in humans. See also ARSENIC COMPOUNDS.