AsV

AsV is a chemical notation used to denote arsenic in the +5 oxidation state, commonly referred to as arsenate in inorganic chemistry. The designation contrasts with AsIII, which indicates arsenic in the +3 oxidation state. In some contexts, AsV and As(V) are used interchangeably, though As(V) is the more standard formal notation in modern literature.

In aqueous solutions, arsenate exists mainly as the tetrahedral AsO4^3− ion, with protonated forms such as HAsO4^2− and H2AsO4− appearing at different pH levels. Arsenate and phosphate ions share structural similarity, which leads to competition for biological uptake and can influence nutrient assimilation in living organisms. Arsenate can be reduced to arsenite (AsIII) under certain environmental conditions, a redox interconversion that affects toxicity, mobility, and bioavailability.

Arsenate compounds occur in nature as minerals and can be produced synthetically. Historically, arsenates have been used in various applications, including pesticides, wood preservatives, and as reagents in chemical analyses. Due to their toxicity, environmental persistence, and potential carcinogenicity, use of arsenate-containing compounds is tightly regulated, and many applications have been phased out or restricted in favor of safer alternatives. In environmental chemistry and public health, monitoring arsenate levels in water and soils is important, as oxidation state and speciation influence both mobility and toxicity.

Safety considerations are central when handling AsV compounds. Exposure can pose acute and chronic health risks, and proper handling, containment, and disposal are required. Regulators often specify permissible concentrations in drinking water and waste streams, reflecting arsenate’s regulated status in many jurisdictions.