Arsenic-Discovery, Properties, And Applications

Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is commonly found in minerals such as arsenopyrite, realgar, and orpiment.

Property	Value
Name	Arsenic
Symbol	As
Atomic number	33
Relative atomic mass (Ar)	74.921595
Standard state	Solid at 298 K
Appearance	Metallic grey
Classification	Semi-metallic
Period in the periodic table	15
Group name	Pnictogen
Period in periodic table	4
Block in periodic table	p
Shell structure	2.8.18.5
CAS Registry	7440-38-2

Discovery

Arsenic has been known since ancient times, with its use as a poison documented in ancient Rome and Greece. It was first identified as an element by Albertus Magnus in the 13th century.

Physical Properties

Arsenic is a brittle, silvery-gray metalloid. It has a density of 5.73 g/cm3 and a melting point of 817 °C. It can exist in several allotropes, including yellow, black, and gray arsenic.

Chemical Properties

Arsenic is a member of group 15 in the periodic table, also known as the nitrogen group. It readily forms covalent bonds with other elements and is a powerful reducing agent. It is also known to form alloys with many metals, including copper and lead.

Facts

• Arsenic is highly toxic and exposure to even small amounts can cause serious health problems.
• In the past, arsenic was used in a variety of products, including pesticides, wood preservatives, and cosmetics.
• The use of arsenic-based pesticides has been banned in many countries due to their toxicity.
• Arsenic is used in the production of semiconductors and in some medical treatments.

Applications

• Arsenic is used in the production of semiconductors, particularly in the manufacture of gallium arsenide-based devices.
• It is also used in the production of lead alloys, such as those used in car batteries.
• Arsenic trioxide has been used as a medical treatment for leukemia, although its use is controversial due to its toxicity.
• In the past, arsenic was used as a wood preservative and pesticide, but these uses have largely been discontinued due to its toxicity.