Sodium meta-arsenite | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

NaAsO₂

CAS number

7784-46-5

IUPAC name

sodium;oxoarsinite

State

At room temperature, sodium meta-arsenite is in a solid state. It is usually stable in well-sealed packaging but should be handled with care due to toxicity.

Melting point (Celsius)

550.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

823.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

798.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

1 071.15

General information

Molecular weight

129.91g/mol

Molar mass

129.9100g/mol

Density

3.3405g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium meta-arsenite typically appears as a white or colorless solid. The compound can present itself in a crystalline form, characterized by its distinct lattice structure. In powdered form, it may seem more granular.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Oxoarsinite

Sodium oxoarsinite, with its chemical formula typically denoted as Na₃AsO₃, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics.

Solubility Profile

This compound is generally considered:

Soluble in water: Sodium oxoarsinite readily dissolves in water, making it accessible for various applications.
Influenced by pH: Its solubility can change significantly with the pH of the solution. At high pH levels, it tends to remain soluble, while under acidic conditions, solubility may decrease.
High ionic strength solutions: The presence of other ions in solution can either enhance or hinder solubility depending on their nature and concentration.

Due to its solubility in water, sodium oxoarsinite is often used in environmental studies, especially concerning arsenic mobility in aquatic systems. As described in literature, "the ability of sodium oxoarsinite to dissolve in water leads to significant implications for its bioavailability and potential toxicity." Thus, understanding its solubility is crucial for risk assessments and remediation strategies involving arsenic contamination.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Oxoarsinite

Sodium oxoarsinite is a fascinating compound that belongs to the realm of arsenic-containing compounds, which often lead to intriguing studies in both environmental science and chemistry. Here are some key points about this remarkable compound:

Composition: This compound comprises sodium, arsenic, and oxygen, showcasing the unique interplay of these elements within a single molecular structure.
Environmental Concerns: Due to the presence of arsenic, sodium oxoarsinite raises significant environmental concerns. Arsenic is a toxic element, and compounds like this can be harmful when released into ecosystems, making it a subject of environmental monitoring and remediation.
Applications: Although its toxicity is prominent, compounds containing arsenic, including sodium oxoarsinite, can find applications in certain industrial processes, including the synthesis of specific types of glass and ceramics.
Analytical Interest: Scientists often study sodium oxoarsinite in the context of arsenic speciation, as understanding the different chemical forms of arsenic is crucial for assessing environmental risks and human exposure.
Research Opportunities: Ongoing research into sodium oxoarsinite may reveal new insights into the mechanisms of arsenic toxicity and its interactions with biological systems, which is critical for health sciences and environmental protection.

In the words of renowned chemist Marie Curie, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” This is especially true for compounds like sodium oxoarsinite, where understanding its properties and behavior can lead to greater insights into both its potential applications and risks.

As we delve deeper into the chemistry of sodium oxoarsinite, scientists continue to uncover its complexities, making it an exciting focal point for research and discussion.