Arsenic triiodide
Arsenic triiodide is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is AsI3. It has arsenic and iodide ions in it. The arsenic is in its +3 oxidation state.
Properties[change | change source]
Arsenic triiodide is an orange-red solid. It easily sublimes. It dissolves in water and reacts very slowly to make arsenious acid and hydroiodic acid. The solution is very acidic. It breaks down when heated to make arsenic trioxide, arsenic metal, and iodine. It is a weak reducing agent.
Preparation[change | change source]
It is made by reacting sodium or potassium iodide with arsenic trichloride.
Uses[change | change source]
As "Donovan's solution" it was said to treat many diseases which it did not treat.