. (Edelstein 1996)The electron configuration of arsenic is 2-8-18-5. (see Figure 3-A) (Web Elements 1998) In addition, it is a metalloid, meaning that it has characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. There are two valence states for arsenic: the pentavalent form and trivalent form. The pentavalent for is generally nontoxic and is organic. Though it seldom causes habitual poisoning, organic arsenic is potentially able to do it. The trivalent form of arsenic, such as arsenic trioxide, is inorganic and highly toxic. However, there are certain ambiguities about the trivalent form. In some cases, arsenic trioxide has been shown to have curative effects. (Arena 1986)Though most people know that arsenic can kill, less know of its curative aspects. Arsenic was used in the treatment of syphilis before the introduction of penicillin. (Arena 1986) In other clinical uses, arsenic has been replaced by antibiotics and sulfa drugs. In recent years, a new curative effect of arsenic had been reported. A group of researchers in Shanghai, China had discovered ten years ago a remedy for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that had previously been fatal. They found that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) was a strong combatant against APL. Now, they have found what seems to be an even more potent drug against APL in a traditional Chinese cure-all. (Mervis 1996) The story started 25 years ago when a group of doctors from the Harbin Medical University, including Zhang Ting-Dong, were sent into northeast China to gather proof of Mao Tse-Tung's belief that classical Chinese medicine was superior to Western methods. There, Zhang found that arsenic trioxide was the hidden component in the cure for arthritis, skin diseases and other illnesses. Though arsenic trioxide can produce alarming side effects, it is relatively safe when administered in small doses, intravenously. The researchers isolated the arsenic trioxide from the traditional Chinese reme...
