Selenium disulfide facts for kids
Selenium disulfide is a special chemical compound. You might also hear it called selenious disulfide, selenous disulfide, or selenium(IV) disulfide. Its chemical formula is SeS2. This means it's made up of two elements: selenium and sulfur. In this compound, selenium has a specific electrical charge, and it's combined with parts of sulfur called sulfide ions.
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What it is Like
Selenium disulfide is an orange-colored solid. It's a bit of a mystery compound because sometimes it has a little more selenium, and other times it has more sulfur. This makes its exact makeup vary a bit.
How it is Made
Making selenium disulfide is quite simple. Scientists can create it by heating up selenium and sulfur together. When these two elements get hot enough, they combine to form selenium disulfide.
What it is Used For
Selenium disulfide is very helpful in treating certain problems, especially those caused by tiny living things called fungi.
Fighting Dandruff
One of its main uses is in shampoos and other hair products. It helps to kill the fungi that cause dandruff in your hair. Dandruff makes your scalp itchy and causes white flakes to appear. Selenium disulfide helps get rid of these fungi, making your scalp healthier.
Treating Skin Infections
Besides dandruff, selenium disulfide can also be used to treat fungal skin infections. These are infections on your skin caused by fungi, which can make your skin red, itchy, or scaly. Products with selenium disulfide can help clear up these infections.
Related Compounds
See also
In Spanish: Sulfuro de selenio para niños
