Arsenic 'The Inheritance Powder'

The element arsenic is a p block element in the periodic table. Being a p block element, it is grouped in group 15 period 4. It has an outer valence electron of 5.

The Inheritance Powder

Talking about arsenic, here is an interesting story about it. You know why arsenic was being called ‘the inheritance powder’? This is because it is a kind of poison and usually add to grandfather‘s wine to hasten his death so that his grandchildren can inherit his estate! Sounds like arsenic is such an evil thing huh? 

Actually elemental arsenic is not that harmful. The poison is consisting of an arsenic compound. The common one to use in poison is actually arsenic(III) oxide, As₂O₃, a white compound that dissolve in water and it is tasteless, about 70 to 180mg is enough to kill an adult!

arsenic(III) oxide

The Marsh test is use to detect arsenic by redox reaction.

Oxidation:         Zn à Zn+2 + 2e

Reduction:        As₂O₃ + 12e + 6H+1 à 2As^-3 + 3 H₂O

Noted that the trivalent ion in the oxide is not only the most common form of arsenic but it’s the one that’s most toxic!

Arsenic was found on paint’s pigment also, it is emerald green. This pigment was frequently used by the artist in impressionism. It had caused poisoning in various famous artists such as Cezanne whom developed diabetes, Monet who blinded and Von Gogh’s neurological disorder were partially caused by the usage of emerald green (arsenic contain). 

Van Gogh

Monet

Then, there are many famous one being charged death by arsenic. There is no lack of those man on the throne like George III of Great Britain, Napoleon and Emperor Guangxu. 

George III of Great Britain

Napoleon

Emperor Guangxu

Let’s see how it is affected human health! If you are exposing to low dose of arsenic, you are likely to feel nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In large dose, it cause abnormal heart beat, damage to blood vessels, feeling of “pins and needles” in hand and feet, even death! If it is contact to the skin, it is more likely to cause chemical burn on the contact side. If it is being swallowed, it causes cancer in internal organs such as bladder, kidney, liver and lung.

Although arsenic seems like an evil thing but it actually it is useful in some other way, if it is treated properly. In U.S it is use in woods preservatives, treat syphilis and various tropical diseases.