8580. Sodium Arsenite

Nomenclature

CAS number: 7784-46-5
Sodium meta-arsenite.
AsHNaO2; mol wt 130.92.
As 57.23%, H 0.77%, Na 17.56%, O 24.44%.

Description and references

Product of commerce is 95-98% pure. Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (PB2000-108021, 2000) 468 pp.

Properties

White or grayish-white powder; somewhat hygroscopic. Absorbs CO2 from air. Poisonous. Freely sol in water, slightly in alcohol. Keep well closed. LD50 orally in rats: 0.041 g/kg (Smyth).

Use

Technical grade in manuf of arsenical soap for use on skins, for treating vines against certain scale diseases; as insecticide especially for termites.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Topical acaricide.