Arsenic tribromide is an inorganic compound with the formula AsBr3, it is a bromide of arsenic. Arsenic is a chemical element that has the symbol As and atomic number 33. This pyramidal molecule is the only known binary arsenic bromide. AsBr3 is noteworthy for its very high refractive index of approximately 2.3. It also has a very high diamagnetic susceptibility.[2] The compound exists as colourless deliquescent crystals that fume in moist air.
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| Names | |
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| Preferred IUPAC name
Arsenic tribromide | |
| Systematic IUPAC name
Tribromoarsane | |
| Other names
Arsenic(III) bromide
Arsenous bromide, Arsenicum Bromatum, Tribromoarsine | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.143 |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| AsBr3 | |
| Molar mass | 314.634 g/mol |
| Appearance | white to pale yellow crystalline solid |
| Density | 3.54 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 31.1 °C (88.0 °F; 304.2 K) |
| Boiling point | 221 °C (430 °F; 494 K) |
| soluble, partial hydrolysis indicated by fumes | |
| -106.0·10−6 cm3/mol | |
Refractive index (nD)
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2.3 |
| Hazards | |
| NIOSH (US health exposure limits): | |
PEL (Permissible)
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[1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3[1] |
REL (Recommended)
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Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 [15-minute][1] |
IDLH (Immediate danger)
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Ca [5 mg/m3 (as As)][1] |
| Related compounds | |
Related compounds
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Phosphorus tribromide arsenic trichloride |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Preparation
editArsenic tribromide can be prepared by the direct bromination of arsenic powder. Alternatively, arsenic(III) oxide can be used as the precursor in the presence of elemental sulfur:
2 As2O3 + 3 S + 6 Br2 → 4 AsBr3 + 3 SO2
Arsenic tribromide is a highly water soluble crystalline arsenic source for uses compatible with bromides and lower (acidic) pH. Most metal bromide compounds are water soluble for uses in water treatment, chemical analysis and in ultra high purity for certain crystal growth applications. Arsenic bromide is generally immediately available in most volumes.[3]
It is soluble in hydrocarbons; carbon tetrachloride; very soluble in ether, benzene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon disulfide, oils, and fats.
Bromides of arsenic
editAsBr5 is not known, although the corresponding phosphorus compound PBr5 is well characterized. AsBr3 is the parent for a series of hypervalent anionic bromoarsenates including [As2Br8]2−, [As2Br9]3−, and [As3Br12]3−.[4]
Organoarsenic bromides (CH3)2AsBr and (CH3)AsBr2 are formed efficiently by the copper-catalyzed reaction of methyl bromide with hot arsenic metal. This synthesis is similar to the direct process used for the synthesis of methyl chlorosilanes.
Safety
editArsenic tribromide is highly toxic. It is a carcinogen and a teratogen.
References
edit- ^ a b c NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0038". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- ^ CRC handbook of Chemistry and Physics, CRC Press
- ^ "Arsenic Tribromide" in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd ed. Edited by G. Brauer, Academic Press, 1963, NY. Vol. 1. p. 597.
- ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.