SODIUM ARSENATE, HEPTAHYDRATE

Chemical properties

white or colourless crystals

Chemical properties

Sodium arsenate heptahydrate is a poisonous solid/powdered solid/crystalline powder. It is odorless with a saline taste. The aqueous solution is alkaline to litmus and decomposes on heating at 100°C (212°F), rapidly becoming anhydrous. It is incompatible with acids, iron, aluminum, and zinc in the presence of water, and strong reducing agents. It is non-corrosive in the presence of glass. Sodium arsenate heptahydrate emits toxic fumes of arsenic when heated to decomposition.

The Uses of SODIUM ARSENATE, HEPTAHYDRATE

It is used as a source of soluble arsenic.

The Uses of SODIUM ARSENATE, HEPTAHYDRATE

Sodium hydrogen arsenate heptahydrate is used as a source of soluble arsenic and in dyeing and printing with Turkey-red oil. It also acts as a veterinary drug for anti-parasitic, skin diseases, blood diseases, rheumatism and asthma.

Definition

ChEBI: A hydrate that is the heptahydrate form of disodium hydrogen arsenate.

General Description

Odorless white crystals. Becomes anhydrous at 212°F. Aqueous solution is alkaline to litmus.

Air & Water Reactions

Effloresces in warm air. Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

SODIUM ARSENATE, HEPTAHYDRATE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids. Also incompatible with iron, aluminum and zinc in the presence of water. .

Health Hazard

Arsenic is highly toxic. Exposures through ingestion and inhalation cause adverse health effects that include, but are not limited to, irritation with itching, burning, and conjunctiva damage, photophobia, corneal injury, dimness of vision, diplopia, lacrimation, cold and clammy skin, low blood pressure, weakness, headache, cramps, infl ammation of the mucous membranes with cough and foamy sputum, restlessness, dyspnea, cyanosis, pulmonary edema, burning in the esophagus, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, damage to the liver and kidneys, and death from circulatory failure.
Repeated exposures to sodium arsenate heptahydrate cause bronzing of the skin, edema, dermatitis, and lesions. Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dust may cause damage to the nasal septum. Chronic exposure from inhalation or ingestion may cause hair and weight loss, a garlic odor to the breath and perspiration, excessive salivation and perspiration, central nervous system damage, hepatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and cardiovascular damage.

Fire Hazard

Literature sources indicate that SODIUM ARSENATE, HEPTAHYDRATE is nonflammable.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. Poison by subcutaneous route. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Human mutation data reported. See also ARSENIC COMPOUNDS. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of arsenic.

storage

Workers should keep containers of sodium arsenate heptahydrate tightly closed and under lock and key in a cool, well-ventilated room/store area.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from water (2mL/g).

Precautions

Occupational workers should avoid ingestion or breathing the dust of sodium arsenate heptahydrate. On exposure to sodium arsenate heptahydrate, immediately fl ush eyes with plenty of water. Occupational workers should wear suitable protective clothing, suitable respiratory equipment, and work in proper ventilation. During use, workers should avoid contact with the skin, eyes be away from incompatibles such as acids. For any kind of accidental ingestion, workers should seek immediate medical advice.
Occupational workers and users should be aware that sodium arsenate heptahydrate is very toxic and its improper use and handling is dangerous, causing fatal injury if swallowed and/or inhaled. Sodium arsenate heptahydrate is a cancer hazard. It contains inorganic arsenic that can cause cancer. The risk of cancer from sodium arsenate heptahydrate depends on the duration and level of exposure. Because sodium arsenate heptahydrate causes irritation to the skin, the eyes, and the respiratory tract, and causes liver and kidney damage, workers should handle the chemical substance only with adequate ventilation, respiratory equipment, and under qualifi ed supervision.