SPI Supplies

SPI-Chem™ Cacodylic Acid
Sodium Salt

Cacodylic acid - sodium salt, trihydrate; Better than 98.5% pure.

Explanation of Hazardous Labels

C2H6AsNaO2·3H2O

Other names: sodium cacodylate; sodium dimethyl arsenate
Appearance: Small free-flowing white crystals
Color: White
Odor: None reported
CAS #: 124-65-2
NIOSH (RTECS) No. : CH7700000
Other characteristics: Hygroscopic
M.P. : 60 °C

Assay: > 98.5%
Loss on drying: 25.4%
Chlorides: < 500 ppm
UN #1688 Hazard Class 6.1 Packing Group II

Cacodylic acid is widely used as a buffer in conjunction with fixative systems for the preservation of cellular structure. Although this material is quite toxic and contains arsenic compounds, in some instances it is preferred to phosphate buffers, which can give rise to precipitation with uranyl acetate when used as an "en block" stain. Phosphate buffers also can form artifactual granules when used with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. But, since arsenic is a potent carcinogen, many laboratories try to get out of the habit of using arsenic buffer when other buffers might work just as well. Those who use cacodylic acid routinely (e. g. it is in permanent laboratory use), report that it is easy for dust to accumulate on the outside of bottles, the inside of laboratory glassware in line to be washed, etc. And since the exposure to arsenic compounds is cumulative, one has to be doubly careful to avoid exposure.

The point here is to not scare everyone out of using cacodylic acid, but only to point out that because of these hazards, when less hazardous alternatives are available, those alternatives should be considered.

Cacodylic acid sodium salt
   SPI #EachIn Stock
 1 g02619-1A$10.98 Add to cartYes
 100 g02619-AB  87.85 Add to cartYes
 500 g02619-RA329.40 Add to cartYes


Storage conditions: Room temperature
Hazardous from stand point of shipping
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Monday May 12, 2008
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