Chemical Properties
bluish-green powder |
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General Description
An emerald-green powder. Usually contains some water. Insoluble in water. Toxic by inhalation and by ingestion. Used as a wood preservative, insecticide, and pigment. |
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Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water. Decomposes on prolonged heating in water [Merck]. |
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Reactivity Profile
Copper acetoarsenite is soluble in acids. Is unstable in acids, bases and toward hydrogen sulfide [Merck]. Has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. |
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Health Hazard
Copper acetoarsenite is extremely toxic; the probable oral lethal dose for humans is 5-50 mg/kg, or between 7 drops and 1 teaspoonful for a 150-lb. person. Some absorption may occur through the skin and by inhalation, but most poisonings result from ingestion. It may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. Industrial exposure may cause dermatitis. |
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Fire Hazard
Poisonous, volatile arsenic oxide may be formed in fires. Exposure of dust to flame may cause explosion. When heated, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, Copper acetoarsenite emits highly toxic fumes. Decomposes readily in the presence of water and carbon dioxide to yield phytotoxic arsenical compounds. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Unstable in acids and bases. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. |
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