Arsenic Trioxide 99.5%

Arsenic trioxide is a highly toxic inorganic compound with a long history of use in various applications, both industrial and medicinal. Despite its potent toxicity, it's still employed in certain medical treatments under strict control.Here's a more detailed description:

Chemical Structure and Properties:

• Chemical Formula: As₂O₃
• Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder.
• Physical State: Solid at room temperature.
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in acids and alkalis.
• Toxicity: Highly toxic.
• It exists in various crystalline forms.

Industrial Applications:

• Wood Preservatives: Historically, it was used in wood preservatives to prevent decay.
• Glass and Ceramics: It's used as a fining agent in the production of glass and ceramics to remove bubbles.
• Insecticides and Herbicides: It has been used in the past as an insecticide and herbicide, but its use has declined due to toxicity concerns.
• Production of Other Arsenic Compounds: It's a precursor in the production of other arsenic compounds.

Medical Applications:

• Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): Ironically, arsenic trioxide is used in the treatment of APL, a type of leukemia. It works by inducing differentiation and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia cells.
• This medical use is under very strict control.

Toxicity and Safety Considerations:

• High Toxicity: Arsenic trioxide is extremely toxic and can cause severe health problems, including:
  • Acute poisoning: can lead to gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular problems, and death.
  • Chronic poisoning: can lead to skin lesions, neurological damage, and cancer.
• Carcinogenicity: It is a known human carcinogen.
• Environmental Hazards: Arsenic compounds can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to ecosystems.
• Handling Precautions:
  • It must be handled with extreme care, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Exposure should be strictly controlled and minimized.
  • It should be stored securely and disposed of according to regulations.

Key Points:

• Arsenic trioxide's toxicity is a significant concern.
• Its medical use is very specific, and under strict supervision.
• Its industrial use is declining due to health and environmental concerns.
• Extreme care must be taken when handling this substance.