Arsine is a highly toxic, colorless gas with the chemical formula AsH₃, consisting of one arsenic atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Known for its distinctive garlic-like odor at higher concentrations, arsine is one of the most dangerous industrial gases, capable of causing severe hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) even at low exposure levels. First prepared in 1775 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, this compound is primarily encountered in the semiconductor industry where it’s used for doping silicon chips, and can also form accidentally when acids contact arsenic-containing materials. Despite its extreme toxicity, arsine plays a crucial role in manufacturing high-purity semiconductor materials and specialized electronic components, though its use requires stringent safety protocols and specialized detection equipment.

Find a review of the 50 most important industrial gases here.

20 Fun Facts About Arsine

Beyond the basics above, what else should we know about Arsine? Check out the 20 fun facts below!

1. Arsine is 2.7 times heavier than air, causing it to accumulate in low-lying areas like basements and confined spaces.
2. The gas was used as a chemical weapon during World War I, though it proved less effective than other poison gases due to its instability.
3. Arsine can spontaneously ignite in air at temperatures above 250°C, producing a blue flame and toxic arsenic trioxide smoke.
4. Detection badges containing mercury compounds change color from orange to black when exposed to arsine, providing a visual warning system.
5. The semiconductor industry uses ultra-pure arsine (99.9999% purity) for creating gallium arsenide chips used in cell phones and solar panels.
6. Arsine forms when ordinary batteries are overcharged in the presence of arsenic impurities, creating a potential household hazard.
7. The gas liquefies at -62.5°C (-80.5°F) forming a clear, colorless liquid that’s even more dangerous to handle than the gas.
8. Historic copper smelting operations often produced arsine accidentally, leading to mysterious illnesses among workers before the cause was identified.
9. Arsine can be detected by humans at concentrations around 0.5 ppm, but toxic effects begin at levels as low as 0.05 ppm.
10. The compound decomposes into metallic arsenic and hydrogen when heated, leaving a shiny mirror-like deposit on glass surfaces.
11. Emergency responders use special “4-gas” meters that can detect arsine along with other common industrial hazards.
12. Arsine exposure causes “blackwater fever,” where destroyed red blood cells turn urine dark red or black.
13. The gas is actually flammable in air at concentrations between 4.5% and 78%, forming explosive mixtures.
14. Modern LED manufacturing uses trimethylarsine as a safer alternative to arsine for producing the same semiconductor properties.
15. Arsine can form in landfills when rainwater percolates through arsenic-containing waste and encounters reducing conditions.
16. The compound is so reactive that it slowly decomposes even when stored in steel cylinders, requiring regular purity checks.
17. Space-grade solar panels often use gallium arsenide cells made with arsine because they’re more radiation-resistant than silicon.
18. Forensic scientists can detect past arsine exposure by analyzing arsenic deposits in hair and fingernails months after exposure.
19. Some metal recycling facilities must test for arsine generation when processing electronics containing gallium arsenide components.
20. Research submarines and spacecraft carry arsine detectors because the gas can form from arsenic-containing electronics in confined environments.

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