Methylarsine

Methylarsine is an organoarsenic compound with the chemical formula CH3AsH2. It is a colorless gas with a strong, unpleasant odor, similar to garlic. Methylarsine is a highly toxic substance and a potent carcinogen. It is a derivative of arsine (AsH3), where one hydrogen atom has been replaced by a methyl group.

The compound is often encountered as a breakdown product of other organoarsenic compounds, particularly those used historically as pesticides or in industrial processes. Its presence can indicate the decomposition or metabolism of these precursor substances. Methylarsine is soluble in water and organic solvents.

Due to its high toxicity and volatility, methylarsine poses significant health risks. Inhalation is the primary route of exposure, and symptoms can range from respiratory irritation and nausea to severe systemic poisoning affecting the nervous system and other organs. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Strict safety precautions are necessary when handling or potentially encountering methylarsine. Its environmental persistence and bioaccumulation potential are areas of concern, although its primary risk is generally associated with acute toxicity. The study of methylarsine is important for understanding arsenic toxicology and developing remediation strategies for contaminated sites.