Arsenical precursor: arsenic trichloride

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Arsenical Agent Precursor: Arsenic trichloride

CA Index Name	Arsenous trichloride
CAS Registry Number	7784-34-1	RTECS Number	CG175000
EINECS Number	232-059-5	UN Transport Code	1560
ICSC Number	0221
CWC Schedule 2B

Warning Symbols

Toxic	Harmful

Synonyms:

Arsenic butter
Arsenous chloride
Butter of arsenic
Caustic arsenic chloride
Fuming liquid arsenic
Trichlorarsine

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Structural Formula

Not flammable
Colorless oily fuming liquid with pungent odor.
Molecular Formula	AsCl₃	Molecular Weight	181.2
Boiling Point	130.2°C	Melting Point	-16°C
Vapor Density	6.3	Liquid Density	2.1
Vapor pressure	1.17 kPa at 20°C

NFPA Hazard Ratings
FIRE 0	HEALTH 3	REACTIVITY 0	SPECIAL *

Also refer to 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2000) Guide 157.

Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances
	SMALL RELEASE (small package/leaking container)
	First ISOLATE in all directions	Then PROTECT persons downwind during
		DAY	NIGHT
Spill on Land	30 m (100 feet)	0.2 km (0.1 mi)	0.3 km (0.2 mi)
Spill on Water	No specific recommendation	No specific recommendation	No specific recommendation
	LARGE RELEASE (large package/multiple small packages)
	First ISOLATE in all directions	Then PROTECT persons downwind during
		DAY	NIGHT
Spill on Land	60 m (200 ft)	0.6 km (0.4 mi)	1.4 km (0.9 mi)
Spill on Water	No specific recommendation	No specific recommendation	No specific recommendation

Health Hazards

Arsenic trichloride is poisonous by inhalation, skin contact, ingestion and is irritating to the eyes. Inhalation can cause headaches, coughing and sore throat. Ingestion can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, shock and collapse. It is also a suspected carcinogen. Arsenic trichloride decomposes upon heating to yield toxic fumes (hydrochloric acid, arsenic oxides.) It reacts violently with water to release hydrogen chloride and reacts corrosively with many metals.

Risk and Safety Phrases.

R23/25 - Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed
R36/37/38 - Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin
R50/53 - Very toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
S1/2 - Keep locked up and out of reach of children
S20/21 - When using do not eat, drink or smoke
S26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
S28 - After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of ... (to be specified by the manufacturer)
S36/37/39 - Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
S45 - In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible)
S49 - Keep only in the original container
S60 - This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste
S61

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USES

Arsenic trichloride has relatively few industrial uses, although it is the most important of the arsenic halides. One is in the manufacture of ceramics. The other is in the synthesis of organic arsenochlorine compounds. These include the blister agent Lewisite, and the monochloro- and dichlorophenylarsines, which can be used as either riot control agents or blister agents.

COMMENTS

Arsenic trichloride can be prepared by the direct reaction of elemental arsenic and chlorine. It can also be prepared by the reaction of arsenic oxide and sulfur monochloride, or with combinations of sulfur monochloride, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid. It is considered a low production volume chemical (<1,000,000 pounds (500 tons) per year.)

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Arsenical Agent Precursor: Arsenic trichloride

Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances

SMALL RELEASE

(small package/leaking container)

LARGE RELEASE

(large package/multiple small packages)