Acetoarsenite

/ˌæsɪtoʊˈɑrsənaɪt/ noun

Definition

A toxic chemical compound containing arsenic and acetic acid, historically used as an insecticide and pesticide.

Etymology

From aceto- (acetic acid) + arsenite (arsenic compound). These compounds were developed in the early 20th century as agricultural poisons but are now mostly banned due to their extreme toxicity.

Kelly Says

Acetoarsenite was once sprayed on apple orchards and gardens as 'Paris Green,' but its deadly effects on humans led to strict regulation—it's a historical example of how chemistry discoveries can be powerful but dangerous without proper safety controls.

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