Selenium tetrachloride facts for kids
Selenium tetrachloride is a special chemical compound that contains selenium and chlorine. You might also hear it called selenious chloride or selenium(IV) chloride. Its chemical formula is SeCl4. This means it has one selenium atom and four chlorine atoms joined together.
Quick facts for kids Selenium tetrachloride |
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| IUPAC name | Selenium tetrachloride |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | white to yellow crystals |
| Density | 2.6 g/cm³, solid |
| Melting point | |
| decomposes in water | |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | Toxic (T), Dangerous for the environment (N) |
| Flash point | non-flammable |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Contents
What is Selenium Tetrachloride Like?
Selenium tetrachloride is a solid substance. It can look either white or yellow. It changes from a solid directly into a gas very easily. This process is called sublimation.
When selenium tetrachloride touches water, it reacts. It forms two new substances: hydrochloric acid and selenous acid. It can also react with selenium dioxide. This reaction creates a mixture called selenium oxychloride.
How is Selenium Tetrachloride Made?
Scientists make selenium tetrachloride by heating two elements together. They heat selenium and chlorine in a special container. As they heat them, the selenium tetrachloride turns into a gas. This gas then escapes.
This method is also used to make selenium very pure. If you have selenium that isn't clean, you can react it with chlorine. Only the selenium tetrachloride gas will escape, leaving impurities behind. Then, this pure gas can be changed back into clean selenium.
What is Selenium Tetrachloride Used For?
The main use for selenium tetrachloride is to make selenium purer. It helps remove unwanted substances from selenium. It is also used to create other types of selenium compounds.
Related Compounds
See also
In Spanish: Tetracloruro de selenio para niños
