Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why is arsenious oxide also called white arsenic?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
arsenic
Properties of arsenic.
Arsenious oxide () is commonly referred to as "white arsenic" because it is the oxide formed when arsenic or arsenic-containing ores are heated in air. This process produces a vapor that is collected and condensed into a white, powdery substance.1
This compound is a primary commercial form of arsenic, serving as the starting material for most other arsenic compounds. It is obtained as a by-product during the roasting of various metal ores, such as copper and lead, as well as arsenopyrite and arsenic sulfide ores. Beyond its role in chemical production, white arsenic has historically been utilized in pesticides, as a glass decolorizer, and as a preservative for hides.1