Sodium selenite - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sodium selenite
Identifiers
  • 10102-18-8 (hydrate: 26970-82-1) ☒N
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.030.230
EC Number
  • 233-267-9
KEGG
RTECS number
  • VS7350000
UNII
UN number 2630
  • [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Se]([O-])=O
Properties
Na2O3Se
Molar mass 172.95 g·mol−1
Appearance colorless solid
Density 3.1 g/cm3
Melting point decomposes at 710 °C
85 g/100 mL (20 °C)
Solubility insoluble in alcohol, ethanol
Structure
tetragonal
Pharmacology
A12CE02 (WHO)
Hazards
EU classification Very toxic (T+)
Dangerous for the environment (N)
NFPA 704

0
3
0
 
R-phrases R23, R28, R31, R43, R51/53
S-phrases (S1/2), S28, S36/37, S45, S61
Related compounds
Related compounds {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
☒N verify (what is checkY☒N ?)
Infobox references

Sodium selenite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Na2SeO3. It contains sodium and selenite ions.

Properties

[change | change source]

Sodium selenite is a white solid. It dissolves in water. It is a weak oxidizing agent. It reacts with acids to make selenous acid. It can be oxidized by powerful oxidizing agents to make sodium selenate.

Preparation

[change | change source]

It is made by reacting sodium hydroxide with selenium dioxide

2 NaOH + SeO2 → Na2SeO3 + H2O

Sodium selenite is used to add a pink color to glass. It is also used in some vitamin supplements.

Eating of any more than a very tiny amount would give selenium poisoning.

[change | change source]