Arsenic Amide, As(NH₂)₃

Arsenic Amide, As(NH₂)₃, is formed by the action of ammonia on arsenic trichloride, tribromide or triiodide at -35° to -40° C., the ammonium halide being removed from the residue by washing with liquid ammonia, in which the amide is insoluble. It is a greyish-white powder, stable in dry air below 0° C., but above this temperature it begins to decompose, yielding the imide and, at higher temperatures, the nitride. It may be kept at ordinary temperatures in an atmosphere of ammonia without decomposition. Water readily converts it into arsenious oxide and ammonia.