Hydrogen selenide: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:09, 15 February 2025

Hydrogen selenide[edit]

Selenourea reaction involving hydrogen selenide.

Hydrogen selenide (H_Se) is a chemical compound and a hydride of selenium. It is a colorless, flammable gas under standard conditions and is known for its foul odor, reminiscent of decayed horseradish. Hydrogen selenide is highly toxic and poses significant health risks upon exposure.

Structure and properties[edit]

Hydrogen selenide is a diatomic molecule with a bent molecular geometry. The bond angle in H_Se is approximately 91 degrees, which is slightly less than the bond angle in water (H_O) due to the larger size of the selenium atom compared to oxygen.

The compound is a weak acid, dissociating in water to form hydroselenide ions (HSe_) and protons (H_). Its acidity is greater than that of hydrogen sulfide (H_S) but less than that of hydrogen telluride (H_Te).

Production[edit]

Hydrogen selenide can be produced by the reaction of selenium with hydrogen gas at elevated temperatures. It can also be generated by the reaction of selenium dioxide (SeO_) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the presence of a reducing agent.

Uses[edit]

Hydrogen selenide is primarily used in the semiconductor industry for the preparation of metal selenide films. These films are used in various electronic and photovoltaic applications. The compound is also used in the synthesis of other selenium-containing compounds.

Safety[edit]

Due to its high toxicity, hydrogen selenide must be handled with extreme care. Exposure to the gas can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can lead to more severe health effects, including damage to the central nervous system. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are essential when working with this compound.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Hydrogen selenide''' ([[chemical formula]]: H<sub>2</sub>Se) is a [[toxic]] and [[colorless gas]] with a distinct smell, reminiscent of rotten horseradish. It is the [[selenide]] analogue of [[water]] and a [[hydride]] of [[selenium]]. Hydrogen selenide is of significant importance in the [[chemical industry]] and [[biochemistry]], particularly in the synthesis of [[selenium]]-containing compounds. However, its high toxicity and reactivity require careful handling and specific safety precautions.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hydrogen selenide}}
-==Properties==
+== Hydrogen selenide ==
-Hydrogen selenide is a colorless, flammable gas under standard conditions. It has a boiling point of -41.25 °C and a melting point of -65.73 °C. The gas is slightly soluble in [[water]], and its aqueous solution is weakly acidic. Hydrogen selenide readily decomposes into elemental selenium and hydrogen when heated or upon exposure to light.
+[[File:SelenoureaRxn.PNG|thumb|right|300px|Selenourea reaction involving hydrogen selenide.]]
-==Synthesis==
+'''Hydrogen selenide''' (H_Se) is a chemical compound and a hydride of [[selenium]]. It is a colorless, flammable gas under standard conditions and is known for its foul odor, reminiscent of decayed horseradish. Hydrogen selenide is highly toxic and poses significant health risks upon exposure.
-Hydrogen selenide can be synthesized by the reaction of [[selenium]] powder with [[hydrogen gas]] at high temperatures. Another method involves the acidification of aqueous solutions containing [[selenides]], which releases hydrogen selenide gas:
-\[ \text{Se}^{2-} + 2\text{H}^+ \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{Se} \]
-==Toxicity==
+== Structure and properties ==
-Hydrogen selenide is highly toxic, with exposure potentially resulting in severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and even death. Its mechanism of toxicity involves the inhibition of [[mitochondrial]] enzymes, leading to cellular respiration failure. Safety measures when handling hydrogen selenide include the use of appropriate [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE), adequate ventilation, and gas detection systems.
+Hydrogen selenide is a [[diatomic molecule]] with a bent molecular geometry. The bond angle in H_Se is approximately 91 degrees, which is slightly less than the bond angle in [[water]] (H_O) due to the larger size of the selenium atom compared to [[oxygen]].
-==Applications==
+The compound is a weak acid, dissociating in water to form hydroselenide ions (HSe_) and protons (H_). Its acidity is greater than that of [[hydrogen sulfide]] (H_S) but less than that of [[hydrogen telluride]] (H_Te).
-Despite its toxicity, hydrogen selenide is used in the synthesis of selenium-containing compounds in both organic and inorganic chemistry. It serves as a precursor for the preparation of [[semiconductors]], [[photovoltaic cells]], and in the glass industry to impart red color to glass and ceramics. In biochemistry, hydrogen selenide is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of selenocysteine, an amino acid found in several important enzymes, including [[glutathione peroxidase]].
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Production ==
-Hydrogen selenide can be released into the environment through industrial processes and natural volcanic activity. Its release into the atmosphere is a concern due to its toxicity and potential to form acidic rain, contributing to environmental pollution. Measures to reduce emissions include scrubbing waste gases and strict regulatory controls.
+Hydrogen selenide can be produced by the reaction of [[selenium]] with [[hydrogen gas]] at elevated temperatures. It can also be generated by the reaction of [[selenium dioxide]] (SeO_) with [[hydrochloric acid]] (HCl) in the presence of a reducing agent.
-==See Also==
+== Uses ==
+Hydrogen selenide is primarily used in the [[semiconductor]] industry for the preparation of metal selenide films. These films are used in various electronic and photovoltaic applications. The compound is also used in the synthesis of other selenium-containing compounds.
+== Safety ==
+Due to its high toxicity, hydrogen selenide must be handled with extreme care. Exposure to the gas can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can lead to more severe health effects, including damage to the [[central nervous system]]. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are essential when working with this compound.
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Selenium]]
-* [[Selenides]]
+* [[Hydrogen sulfide]]
-* [[Toxicology]]
+* [[Hydrogen telluride]]
-* [[Environmental chemistry]]
+* [[Semiconductor]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
+[[Category:Hydrogen compounds]]
 [[Category:Selenium compounds]]
-[[Category:Hydrides]]
+[[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
-[[Category:Gases]]
-{{Chem-stub}}