Arsenikföreningar

Arsenikföreningar refers to chemical compounds containing arsenic. Arsenic is a metalloid element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is known for its toxicity and its ability to form a wide variety of compounds with other elements, particularly oxygen, sulfur, halogens, and metals.

Inorganic arsenic compounds are perhaps the most well-known. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), often called white arsenic, is one of the most common and has historical significance as a poison. Other important inorganic forms include arsenates, such as sodium arsenate, and arsenites, such as sodium arsenite. These compounds can exist in various oxidation states, typically +3 or +5.

Organic arsenic compounds, which contain carbon-arsenic bonds, also exist. These can range from relatively simple compounds like cacodylic acid to more complex organoarsenicals. Some organic arsenic compounds have found use in medicine, particularly as antimicrobial agents, though their use has declined due to toxicity concerns.

Arsenic compounds are found naturally in the Earth's crust and can be released into the environment through volcanic activity and the weathering of rocks. They can contaminate soil and water sources. Industrially, arsenic compounds have been used in pesticides, wood preservatives, semiconductors, and alloys. Due to their toxicity, many applications have been phased out or are strictly regulated. Exposure to arsenic compounds can lead to a range of health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers.