1604. Cacodylic Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 75-60-5
Dimethylarsinic acid; hydroxydimethylarsine oxide; Phytar (Monterey).
C2H7AsO2; mol wt 138.00.
C 17.41%, H 5.11%, As 54.29%, O 23.19%.
(CH3)2As(O)OH.

Description and references

Prepn: Guinot, J. Pharm. Chim. 27, 55 (1923), C.A. 17, 21038 (1923); Inverni, Boll. Chim. Farm. 62, 129 (1923), C.A. 17, 24137 (1923); Challenger, Ellis, J. Chem. Soc. 1935, 396; Fioretti, Portelli, Ann. Chim. (Rome) 53, 1869 (1963), C.A. 60, 10712c (l964). Use as herbicide: Sprague, US 3056668 (1962 to Ansul). Toxicity study: G. W. Bailey, J. L. White, Residue Rev. 10, 97 (1965). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (PB2000-108021, 2000) 468 pp.

Properties

Crystals from alcohol + ether. mp 195-196°. Hygroscopic. Poisonous. Sol in 0.5 part water; very sol in alcohol; sol in acetic acid. Practically insol in ether. Keep well closed. LD50 orally in rats: 1350 mg/kg (Bailey, White).

Derivative

Mercury salt.

Nomenclature

Mercuric cacodylate.
C4H12As2HgO4; mol wt 474.57.
C 10.12%, H 2.55%, As 31.57%, Hg 42.27%, O 13.49%.

Properties

Hygroscopic, somewhat unstable cryst powder. Soluble in water, alcohol. Practically insol in ether. Keep well closed.

Use

Herbicide.

Therapeutic Category

Dermatologic.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Has been used in chronic eczema, anemia and as a tonic.