How is arsine gas produced?

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Arsine (AsH3), a colorless and extremely poisonous gas, is produced through two primary chemical processes:

  • Hydrolysis: The gas is generated by the hydrolysis of metal arsenides.1
  • Reduction: It is produced by the reduction of arsenic compounds by metals when placed in acidic solutions.1

Because of its high toxicity, exposure to arsine must be strictly controlled, with safety standards requiring concentrations to be kept below 0.05 parts per million in the air for an eight-hour duration.2