Sodium selenite facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sodium selenite
Identifiers
CAS number	(hydrate: 26970-82-1)&c=0&v= 10102-18-8 (hydrate: 26970-82-1)
PubChem	24934
EC number	233-267-9
KEGG	D10530
ChEBI	CHEBI:48843
RTECS number	VS7350000
SMILES	[Na+].[Na+].[O-][Se]([O-])=O
InChI InChI=1/2Na.H2O3Se/c;;1-4(2)3/h;;(H2,1,2,3)/q2*+1;/p-2
Properties
Molecular formula
Molar mass	0 g mol-1
Appearance	colorless solid
Density	3.1 g/cm3
Melting point
Solubility in water	85 g/100 mL (20 °C)
Solubility	insoluble in alcohol, ethanol
Structure
Crystal structure	tetragonal
Pharmacology
ATC code
Hazards
EU classification	Very toxic (T+) Dangerous for the environment (N)
NFPA 704	0 3 0
R-phrases	R23, R28, R31, R43, R51/53
S-phrases	(S1/2), S28, S36/37, S45, S61
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Sodium selenite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Na₂SeO₃. It contains sodium and selenite ions.

Properties

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

It is made by reacting sodium hydroxide with selenium dioxide

2 NaOH + SeO₂ → Na₂SeO₃ + H₂O

Uses

Sodium selenite is used to add a pink color to glass. It is also used in some vitamin supplements.

Safety

Eating of any more than a very tiny amount would give selenium poisoning.

Related pages

• Sodium selenide

See also

In Spanish: Selenito de sodio para niños