Selenite (ion)
Selenite refers to the anion with the chemical formula SeO2−3. It is the oxyanion of selenium. It is the selenium analog of the sulfite ion, SO2−3. Thus selenite is pyramidal and selenium is assigned oxidation state +4. Selenite also refers to compounds that contains this ion, for example sodium selenite Na2SeO3 which is a common source of selenite.[1] Selenite also refers to the esters of selenous acid, for example dimethyl selenite (CH3)2SeO3.
Synthesis and reactions
[edit]Selenite salts can be prepared by neutralizing solutions of selenous acid, which is generated by dissolving selenium dioxide in water. The process proceeds via the hydrogenselenite ion, HSeO−3.
Most selenite salts can be formed by heating the metal oxide with selenium dioxide, e.g.:
- Na2O + SeO2 → Na2SeO3
References
[edit]- ^ F. Fehér (1963). "Sodium Selenite (IV)". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Vol. 1pages=431. NY, NY: Academic Press.
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