cesiumarsenide

Cesium arsenide is a chemical compound with the formula Cs3As. It is an inorganic salt composed of cesium cations (Cs+) and arsenide anions (As3-). Cesium arsenide is a dark red, crystalline solid. It is highly reactive and readily decomposes in the presence of moisture and air, releasing toxic arsine gas (AsH3). Due to its reactivity and the toxicity of arsenic compounds, cesium arsenide is not commonly encountered outside of specialized laboratory settings. Its preparation typically involves the reaction of cesium metal with arsenic at elevated temperatures. The compound exhibits a cubic crystal structure. Cesium arsenide is a strong reducing agent. The properties of cesium arsenide are largely dictated by the highly electropositive nature of cesium and the tendency of arsenic to form the As3- anion in this compound. Research into related alkali metal arsenides has explored their potential in areas such as semiconductor materials and catalysis, although the practical applications of cesium arsenide itself remain limited due to its challenging handling characteristics.