Sodium selenite
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3D model (JSmol)
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| ChEBI | ||
| ChEMBL | ||
| ChemSpider | ||
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.030.230 | |
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| KEGG | ||
PubChem CID
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| UNII | ||
| UN number | 2630 | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | ||
| Na2O3Se | ||
| Molar mass | 172.95 g·mol−1 | |
| Appearance | colorless solid | |
| Density | 3.1 g/cm3 | |
| Melting point | decomposes at 710 °C | |
| 85 g/100 mL (20 °C) | ||
| Solubility | insoluble in alcohol, ethanol | |
| Structure | ||
| tetragonal | ||
| Pharmacology | ||
| A12CE02 (WHO) | ||
| Hazards | ||
| EU classification | Very toxic (T+) Dangerous for the environment (N) | |
| NFPA 704 |
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| R-phrases | R23, R28, R31, R43, R51/53 | |
| S-phrases | (S1/2), S28, S36/37, S45, S61 | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | ||
 verify (what is   ?)
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| Infobox references | ||
Sodium selenite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Na2SeO3. It contains sodium and selenite ions.
Properties[change | change source]
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[change | change source]
It is made by reacting sodium hydroxide with selenium dioxide
- 2 NaOH + SeO2 → Na2SeO3 + H2O
Uses[change | change source]
Sodium selenite is used to add a pink color to glass. It is also used in some vitamin supplements.
Safety[change | change source]
Eating of any more than a very tiny amount would give selenium poisoning.