Sodium selenite
chemical compound
Sodium selenite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Na2SeO3. It contains sodium and selenite ions.
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3D model (JSmol)
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| ChEBI | ||
| ChEMBL | ||
| ChemSpider | ||
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.030.230 | |
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PubChem CID
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| UNII | ||
| UN number | 2630 | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| 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 |
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| R-phrases | R23, R28, R31, R43, R51/53 | |
| S-phrases | (S1/2), S28, S36/37, S45, S61 | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | ||
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| Infobox references | ||
Properties change
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
It is made by reacting sodium hydroxide with selenium dioxide
- 2 NaOH + SeO2 → Na2SeO3 + H2O
Uses change
Sodium selenite is used to add a pink color to glass. It is also used in some vitamin supplements.
Safety change
Eating of any more than a very tiny amount would give selenium poisoning.