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Selenous acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
H2SeO3
CAS number
7783-00-8
IUPAC name
selenous acid
State
State

At room temperature, selenous acid is typically found in a solid state in the form of crystalline powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
70.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
343.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
196.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
469.15
General information
Molecular weight
128.97g/mol
Molar mass
128.9710g/mol
Density
2.9500g/cm3
Appearence

Selenous acid appears as white crystalline solid or colorless crystals. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Selenous Acid (H2SeO3)

Selenous acid, with the chemical formula H2SeO3, is known for its interesting solubility properties. This compound demonstrates strong solubility in water due to the presence of its polar functional groups, which facilitate its interaction with water molecules. Here are some key points about its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble: H2SeO3 dissolves readily in water, leading to the formation of a selenous acid solution.
  • Concentration Effects: As the concentration of H2SeO3 increases, the solution's acidity also rises, impacting the properties of the solution.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility may vary with temperature; generally, increased temperatures can lead to higher solubility.
  • pH Interaction: Selenous acid is a strong acid, dissociating in solution to release H+ ions, affecting the overall pH of the water.

Overall, the significant solubility of selenous acid in water highlights its importance in various chemical reactions and applications, particularly in analytical chemistry and industrial processes. Its behavior in aqueous solutions allows for the exploration of its chemical reactivity and interactions with other substances.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Selenous Acid

Selenous acid, with the chemical name H2SeO3, is a fascinating compound that certainly deserves attention in the realm of chemistry. Here are some interesting points about this intriguing substance:

  • Source of Selenium: Selenous acid is an oxoacid of selenium, playing a key role in understanding the properties and behavior of this element.
  • Oxidation State: In selenous acid, selenium is in the +4 oxidation state, revealing important insights into its chemistry compared to other selenium compounds, particularly selenic acid (H2SeO4) where selenium has a +6 oxidation state.
  • Uses in Industry: This compound finds applications in various fields, including agriculture as a micro-nutrient in fertilizers and in analytical chemistry for detection of certain metal ions.
  • Biological Significance: Selenium, the central element in selenous acid, is essential for human health, being a key component of antioxidant enzymes, indicating that selenous acid indirectly supports biological functions.
  • Reactivity: Selenous acid can undergo reduction to yield elemental selenium. This characteristic showcases the versatility of the compound in redox reactions.
  • Environmental Impact: Understanding the behavior of selenous acid in aquatic systems is crucial, as selenium can be toxic in elevated concentrations, affecting ecosystems and food chains.

In the world of chemical science, selenous acid serves as a *window* into the fascinating properties of selenium. Its interactions and implications in both industrial applications and biological systems make it a compound worth studying.

Synonyms
SELENIOUS ACID
Selenous acid
7783-00-8
Monohydrated selenium dioxide
Selenium dioxide, monohydrated
Selenious acid (H2SeO3)
CCRIS 5530
selenige Saeure
HSDB 6065
EINECS 231-974-7
UNII-F6A27P4Q4R
UN-3283
F6A27P4Q4R
DTXSID9024300
CHEBI:26642
dihydroxidooxidoselenium
Selenious acid (USP)
Selenious acid [USP]
UN 3283
Selenium (as selenious acid)
DTXCID004300
EC 231-974-7
MFCD00011331
(SeO(OH)2)
[SeO(OH)2]
SELENIOUS ACID (MART.)
SELENIOUS ACID [MART.]
acide selenieux
Acid, Selenous
SELENIOUS ACID (USP MONOGRAPH)
SELENIOUS ACID [USP MONOGRAPH]
Acido selenioso
Acido selenio
selenige Saure
Selenous acid, 98%
Selenious acid(H2SeO3)
NCIMech_000026
SELENIOUS ACID [MI]
SELENIOUS ACID [HSDB]
SELENIOUS ACID [VANDF]
CHEMBL2009089
SELENIOUS ACID [WHO-DD]
Selenous acid, p.a., 95.0%
Selenous acid (99.999%-Se)
Tox21_200407
CCG-35433
SELENIOUS ACID [ORANGE BOOK]
AKOS015960374
DB11127
NCGC00248596-01
NCGC00257961-01
NCI60_003085
CAS-7783-00-8
NS00080941
Selenous acid, 99.999% trace metals basis
SELENIUM (AS SELENIOUS ACID) [VANDF]
D05814
Q413722
231-974-7