Aluminium selenide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aluminium selenide |
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| Other names | Aluminium(III) selenide |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | yellow to brown powder |
| Odor | odorless |
| Density | 3.437 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | |
| decomposes | |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | not listed |
| NFPA 704 |
0
3
3
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| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Aluminium selenide, also called aluminum selenide, is a special kind of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Al2Se3. This means it is made of two atoms of aluminium and three atoms of selenium. In this compound, aluminium has a +3 oxidation state, which is how chemists describe its electrical charge.
Contents
What is Aluminium Selenide?
Aluminium selenide is a solid material that usually looks like a yellow or brown powder. It doesn't have any smell. It is known for reacting strongly with water.
Properties and Reactions
Aluminium selenide reacts with water to create a gas called hydrogen selenide. This gas can be quite dangerous.
Aluminium selenide is also a reducing agent. This means it can give away electrons in chemical reactions. If it burns, it can turn into aluminium oxide and selenium dioxide. These are different compounds formed when it reacts with oxygen.
Safety Information
Aluminium selenide needs to be handled carefully. It can be harmful if you breathe it in or if it touches your skin. It can also react strongly with other chemicals.
How it is Made
Scientists make aluminium selenide by mixing selenium and aluminium powder. They then heat this mixture to a very high temperature. This high heat helps the two elements combine and form the new compound.
Uses of Aluminium Selenide
The main use for aluminium selenide is to create hydrogen selenide. Because it reacts with water to make this gas, it's a useful way to produce hydrogen selenide in a lab or factory.
See Also
