Seleninic acid (H2SeO3)-Powder

Characteristic

 

Selenous acid (or selenious acid) is the chemical compound with the formula H2SeO3. Structurally, it is more accurately described by (HO)2SeO. It is the principal oxoacid of selenium; the other being selenic acid.




Chemical formula:H2SeO3

Molar mass:128.97 g/mol

Appearance:white hygroscopic crystals

Density:3.0 g/cm3

Melting point:decomposes at 70°C

Solubility in water:very soluble

Solubility:soluble in ethanol

Acidity (pKa):2.46, 7.3 Conjugate base Hydrogenselenite

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−45.4·10−6 cm3/mol

 


Application

 

Selenous acid is used in steel guns, wherein it changes the color of the steel from silver-grey to blue-grey. It serves as an important component of the Mecke reagent, which is utilized for drug testing. It acts as a source of selenium. It acts as a reagent for alkaloids and an oxidizing agent. Further, it is used in labeling radiopharmaceuticals. It is involved in the organic synthesis for the preparation of glyoxal.