Metallic Arsenic, Arsenic Metal, 7440-38-2

ARSENIC METAL (METALLIC ARSENIC)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Arsenic Metal (As)
    
    Rhombohedral Crystal Structure (Metallic Arsenic)
    
           As  As  As
             \ | /
           As—As—As
             / | \
           As  As  As
    
    Rhombohedral Crystal Structure
    (Metalloid - Both Metal and Non-metal Properties)

Molecular Formula: As (Elemental)
Crystal Structure: Rhombohedral (metallic arsenic); Amorphous (yellow arsenic)
Electron Configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p³
Oxidation States: -3, +3, +5 (primary)
Classification: Metalloid (semi-metal)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF ARSENIC AND RELATED ELEMENTS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Reduction of Arsenic Trioxide (Most Common)

• Reaction: As₂O₃ + 3C → 2As + 3CO (at high temperature)

• Description: Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) is reduced with carbon at high temperatures; Arsenic vapor is produced and condensed; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: Reduction with Hydrogen

• Reaction: As₂O₃ + 3H₂ → 2As + 3H₂O (at high temperature)

• Description: Arsenic trioxide is reduced with hydrogen gas at high temperatures; Produces high-purity arsenic

Method 3: Sublimation and Purification

• Process: Crude arsenic → Sublimation → Condensation → Pure arsenic

• Description: Crude arsenic is sublimed at 614°C; Arsenic vapor is condensed; Produces high-purity arsenic

Method 4: By-product Recovery

• Process: Copper and lead smelting → Flue dust → Arsenic recovery

• Description: Arsenic is recovered as a by-product from copper and lead smelting operations; Flue dust contains arsenic oxides

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (METALLIC ARSENIC)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS08 (Health Hazard), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes cancer (H350). IARC Group 1; NTP Known human carcinogen. AVOID exposure at ALL costs.

• Toxic if swallowed (H301). Toxic if inhaled (H331). AVOID ingestion and inhalation.

• Suspected of causing genetic defects (H341). Avoid exposure.

• May damage the unborn child (H360D). Handle with extreme caution.

• Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H372). Arsenicosis; Skin lesions; Liver/kidney damage.

• Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H410). AVOID environmental release.

• Sublimes without melting at 614°C. Produces toxic arsenic vapor.

• Characteristic garlic odor when heated (indicating toxic fumes).

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, nitric acid, halogens, and moisture.

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. Separate work clothing required.

• Store separately from food and feed. Store locked up.

• Medical monitoring: Regular health check-ups for arsenic-exposed workers.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Semiconductor Production: Use in gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium arsenide (InAs) production; Critical for high-frequency and high-speed electronics; LED and laser applications; Maintain strict purity specifications; Use in clean room environments.

• Alloy Production: Use as hardening agent for lead and copper alloys; Improves mechanical properties; Battery grids and shot production; Bearing alloys.

• Glass Industry: Use as decolorizer and fining agent; Removes bubbles; Opacifying agent; Limited and controlled use.

• Handling: Use ONLY in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; AVOID dust generation; Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, face shield, and NIOSH-approved HEPA-filtered respiratory protection.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved arsenic fume/dust respirator (HEPA-filtered).

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift; Regular medical surveillance.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Store separately from food and feed; Keep away from oxidizing agents and acids; Store locked up; Regular monitoring for arsenic contamination.

• Spill Response: AVOID raising dust; Wear full PPE; Vacuum or wet-sweep (DO NOT dry sweep); Place in properly labeled closed containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Decontaminate the affected area properly.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Arsenic is regulated as hazardous waste; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Use licensed waste disposal facilities.

SPECIAL NOTE ON ARSENIC TOXICITY:

Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements:

• Acute Poisoning: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, garlic odor on breath; Fatal at high doses

• Chronic Exposure (Arsenicosis): Skin lesions; Hyperkeratosis; Peripheral neuropathy; Cardiovascular disease; Liver and kidney damage; Diabetes; Various cancers (skin, lung, bladder)

• Mechanism: Interferes with cellular metabolism; Enzyme inhibition; DNA damage

• Treatment: Chelation therapy for acute poisoning; No specific treatment for chronic arsenicosis

• Prevention: AVOID exposure; Use appropriate PPE; Regular medical surveillance

SPECIAL NOTE ON GALLIUM ARSENIDE (GaAs):

Gallium arsenide is a critical semiconductor material:

• Properties: High electron mobility; Direct band gap; High-frequency performance

• Applications: LEDs; Laser diodes; High-speed electronics; Satellite communications; Solar cells

• Advantages: Faster than silicon; Better high-frequency performance

• Disadvantages: Toxic (contains arsenic); More expensive than silicon

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.