Hydrogen selenide

Hydrogen selenide, also known as hydroselenic acid, selenium hydride, or selane, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is H2Se. It is an acid. It contains hydrogen and selenide ions.

Hydrogen selenide
Hydrogen-selenide-2D-dimensions.svg
Hydrogen-selenide-3D-vdW.svg
IUPAC name Hydrogen selenide
Other names Hydroselenic acid
selane
selenium hydride
Identifiers
CAS number 7783-07-5
PubChem 533
KEGG C01528
ChEBI CHEBI:16503
RTECS number X1050000
SMILES [SeH2]
Properties
Molecular formula H2Se
Molar mass 80.98 g/mol
Appearance Colorless gas
Odor decayed horseradish[1]
Density 3.553 g/dm3
Melting point

-65.73 °C, 207 K, -86 °F

Boiling point
Solubility in water 0.70 g/100 mL
Solubility soluble in CS2, phosgene
Vapor pressure 9.5 atm (21°C)[1]
Acidity (pKa) 3.89
Structure
Molecular shape Bent
Hazards
EU classification Flammable F+ Very Toxic T+ Dangerous for the Environment (Nature) N
Main hazards Extremely toxic and flammable
NFPA 704

NFPA 704.svg

4
4
0
 
R-phrases R23/25, R33, R50/53
S-phrases (S1/2), S20/21, S28, S45, S60, S61
Flash point flammable gas
U.S. Permissible
exposure limit (PEL)
TWA 0.05 ppm (0.2 mg/m3)[1]
Related compounds
Other anions H2O
H2S
H2Te
H2Po
Other cations Na2Se
Ag2Se
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Properties

Hydrogen selenide is a colorless gas that dissolves in water to make an acidic solution. It smells like rotten horseradish. It is very toxic. It burns easily, making selenium dioxide. It is similar to hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs. It is a strong reducing agent.

Preparation

Hydrogen selenide can be made by hydrolysis of aluminium selenide. This reaction also makes aluminium hydroxide. It can be made by reacting hydrogen with powdered selenium at a high temperature.

Uses

It can be used to add selenide ion to organic compounds. It can also be used to make selenium by reacting it with sulfur dioxide. This makes selenium, sulfur, and water.

Hydrogen Selenide Media

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0336". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

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