kupariarseeni

Kupariarseeni, or copper arsenide, is an inorganic binary intermetallic compound composed of copper and arsenic. The composition most commonly cited in the literature is Cu3As. As an intermetallic, kupariarseeni has a defined stoichiometry and an ordered crystal structure, distinguishing it from simple solid solutions.

Natural occurrences of kupariarseeni as a mineral are extremely rare. The material is primarily encountered in synthetic copper–arsenic systems and in metallurgical studies of copper-rich alloys containing arsenic. It can be prepared by reacting copper with arsenic at elevated temperatures or by annealing copper–arsenic alloys to promote the formation of the Cu3As phase. Phase stability depends on temperature and composition.

Cu3As is described as a metallic intermetallic with a defined crystal lattice. Intermetallics of this type typically exhibit good electrical conductivity but limited ductility, making them brittle. They tend to have high melting points and low solubility with respect to elemental copper and arsenic, with several crystallographic polymorphs reported depending on synthesis conditions.

Kupariarseeni is mainly of interest to researchers studying intermetallics, phase relations in copper–arsenic systems, and the electronic structure of arsenides. It has no wide commercial use. Because arsenic compounds are toxic, standard safety practices apply, including proper handling, ventilation, and avoidance of inhalation or ingestion.