Sodium selenide facts for kids
Sodium selenide is a special kind of chemical compound. Think of it like a tiny building block made from two different ingredients: sodium and selenium. Its chemical formula is Na2Se, which tells us it has two sodium atoms for every one selenium atom.
Sodium selenide is a solid material. It's known for being a "reducing agent." This means it's good at giving away electrons to other chemicals, which changes them.
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What is Sodium Selenide Like?
Sodium selenide is a solid substance. It doesn't like water very much! When it mixes with water, it reacts to create new compounds like sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroselenide.
As a reducing agent, sodium selenide can change its form. When it reacts, it can turn into a mix of selenide and selenium, which looks a bit off-white. If it keeps reacting, it can eventually become selenium dioxide.
Sodium selenide also reacts with acids. When it does, it releases a gas called hydrogen selenide.
How is Sodium Selenide Made?
Scientists can make sodium selenide by mixing selenium with a solution of sodium. This mixing happens in a special liquid called ammonia.
What is Sodium Selenide Used For?
Sodium selenide is used in organic chemistry. This is a branch of chemistry that studies compounds containing carbon. Sodium selenide helps these organic compounds react in specific ways.
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