arsenous acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arsenous acid” mean?
A specific, unstable inorganic acid (H₃AsO₃), existing in solution, derived from arsenic trioxide. It is a toxic chemical compound and a precursor to arsenites.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific, unstable inorganic acid (H₃AsO₃), existing in solution, derived from arsenic trioxide. It is a toxic chemical compound and a precursor to arsenites.
In common usage, the term often refers metonymically to arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) itself, the solid anhydride from which the acid is derived. It is a historic poison and a chemical reagent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or orthographic differences. Pronunciations differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare outside chemistry, toxicology, and related technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “arsenous acid” in a Sentence
The [solution/preparation] contained arsenous acid.Arsenous acid is derived from [arsenic trioxide].[Treatment/Synthesis] with arsenous acid yielded the product.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arsenous acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arsenous acid solution required careful handling.
American English
- An arsenous acid compound was identified in the sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, toxicology, and history of science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. In historical or crime contexts, 'arsenic' is the common term.
Technical
Primary context. Used in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and materials science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arsenous acid”
- Pronouncing 'arsenous' as /ɑːrˈsiːnəs/ (like 'arsenic'); correct is /ˈɑːrsənəs/.
- Confusing it with the more common 'arsenic acid'.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'arsenic' or 'arsenic trioxide' is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Arsenic' is the element (As). Arsenous acid specifically refers to the chemical compound H₃AsO₃ or its common source, arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃).
No, it is not stable as a pure compound. It exists in solution. What is typically sold is arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), which forms arsenous acid when dissolved in water.
It is chemically precise. It distinguishes H₃AsO₃ from arsenic acid (H₃AsO₄), which contains arsenic in a different oxidation state and has different properties.
It would be technically accurate but anachronistically precise. Most historical texts and common parlance would simply use 'arsenic' or 'arsenic poison'.
A specific, unstable inorganic acid (H₃AsO₃), existing in solution, derived from arsenic trioxide. It is a toxic chemical compound and a precursor to arsenites.
Arsenous acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Arsenous acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːsənəs ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrsənəs ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ARSENic + -OUS (less oxygen than 'arsenic acid') + ACID. It's the 'ous' acid of arsenic.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not applicable for highly technical compound names]
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary chemical distinction implied by 'arsenous' in 'arsenous acid'?