triethylarsine
Triethylarsine is an organoarsenic compound with the chemical formula (C2H5)3As. It is a colorless liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor. The molecule consists of an arsenic atom bonded to three ethyl groups, each of which is a two-carbon alkyl chain. Triethylarsine is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues, including respiratory failure and liver damage, upon inhalation or ingestion. It is primarily used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of other arsenic compounds and in the synthesis of certain polymers. The compound is also used in the semiconductor industry as a dopant in the production of gallium arsenide. Due to its toxicity, handling of triethylarsine requires strict safety precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper ventilation. The compound is classified as a hazardous substance under various international regulations, including the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).