What are the two principal commercial oxides of arsenic?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The two principal commercial oxides of arsenic are:

  • Arsenious oxide (As₄O₆), also commonly known as white arsenic. It is obtained as a by-product from the roasting of various metal ores and serves as the primary starting material for most other arsenic compounds. It is utilized in pesticides, as a glass decolorizer, and as a hide preservative.1
  • Arsenic pentoxide (As₂O₅), which is produced by the action of an oxidizing agent, such as nitric acid, on arsenious oxide. It is a major ingredient in the manufacture of herbicides, insecticides, and metal adhesives.1

These compounds are the most important commercial forms of arsenic oxides.12