Question

What is Arsenic used for?

Answer 1

• 1. Arsenic is a group 15 element that has atomic number 33 and represented as $\text{'}\mathrm{As}\text{'}$chemically. It has an electronic configuration $\left[\mathrm{Ar}\right]3{\mathrm{d}}^{10}4{\mathrm{s}}^{2}4{\mathrm{p}}^3$.
• 2. It is a metalloid, that possesses both metallic as well as non-metallic properties. It can be found as a compound with sulfur or as a pure crystalline metalloid.
• 3. It has different allotropic forms and is found to be poisonous based on the type of compound formed by it. Inorganic compounds of Arsenic formed with Chlorine, Oxygen and Sulfur are found to be highly toxic while its organic compounds are less toxic.
• 4. Depending on the type of usage required from it, Arsenic can be dangerous or beneficial to humans.
• 5. It is used in the preparation of alloys- in combination with Lead.
• 6. In the medical field it is used for curing asthma, treat digestive disorders, Arsenic trioxide $\left({\mathrm{As}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ can be used to treat leukemia.
• 7. In agriculture, it is used as an insecticide. It is used as a doping agent for producing semiconductors and also transistors.
• 8. It is also used in the preservation of wood and as a preserving agent in the tanning industry.