8595. Sodium Cacodylate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 124-65-2
[(Dimethylarsino)oxy]sodium As-oxide; sodium dimethylarsonate; Arsecodile; Arsicodile; Arsycodile; Rad-e-cate (Vineland); Silvisar.
C2H6AsNaO2; mol wt 159.98.
C 15.02%, H 3.78%, As 46.83%, Na 14.37%, O 20.00%.

Description and references

An organic compd of arsenic yielding inorganic, trivalent arsenic in the body (is excreted partly unchanged, also yields dimethylarsine oxide). Prepd by the distillation of a mixture of arsenic trioxide and potassium acetate which yields Cadet's liquid, contg mostly dimethylarsine oxide. This is oxidized with mercuric oxide yielding crystals of cacodylic acid which is neutralized with Na2CO3 or NaOH: Cadet de Gassicourt, Mem. Sav. Etrangers 3, 633 (1760); Valeur, Gaillot, Compt. Rend. 185, 956 (1927). Use in treatment of psoriasis: S. I. Dawes, H. C. Jackson, J. Am. Med. Assoc. 48, 2020 (1903). Metabolism and excretion: A. Heffter, Arch. Exp. Pathol. Pharmakol. 46, 230 (1901). Use as herbicide: M. A. Sprague, US 3056663 (1962 to Ansul). Possible use in radiation dosimetry: H. S. Levinson, E. B. Garber, Nature 207, 751 (1965). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (PB2000-108021, 2000) 468 pp.

Chemical structure

Derivative

Trihydrate.

Properties

Crystals, granules. Slight odor. Liquefies in its water of hydration at about 60°. Becomes anhydr at 120°. Burns with a bluish flame, emitting a garlic-like odor. One gram dissolves in 0.5 ml water, 2.5 ml alcohol. pH about 8-9. Keep well closed.

Use

Herbicide.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

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