Selenium Metal, Metallic Selenium, Semiconductor Metal, 7782-49-2

SELENIUM METAL (METALLIC SELENIUM)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Selenium Metal (Se)
    
    Hexagonal Crystal Structure (Gray Selenium)
    
    Chain Structure:
    Se — Se — Se — Se — Se
    
    Hexagonal Crystal System
    Structure composed of parallel chains
    Semiconductor properties

Molecular Formula: Se (Elemental)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Gray Selenium - most stable form)
Electron Configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁴
Oxidation States: -2, +4, +6 (primary)
Allotropic Forms: Gray Selenium (stable, metallic), Red Selenium (non-metallic), Black Selenium (glassy)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF SELENIUM ALLOTROPES

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Electrolytic Refining (Most Common)

• Process: Copper/nickel ore → Electrolysis → Anode slime → Selenium recovery

• Description: Selenium is recovered from anode slime during electrolytic refining of copper and nickel; Approximately 1.5 kg of selenium can be obtained from 1 ton of melted copper; Most common industrial production method; Global annual production ~1,500 tons

Method 2: Recovery from Flue Dust and Gases

• Process: Copper and lead production → Flue dust → Selenium recovery

• Description: Selenium is obtained from flue dust from copper and lead production and gases generated during roasting of pyrites

Method 3: Recycling

• Process: Used photocopiers → Recycling → Selenium

• Description: Selenium is recycled from industrial waste and used photocopiers; Approximately 150 tons of selenium are recycled annually

Method 4: Purification

• Process: Crude selenium → Distillation → Purification → Pure selenium metal

• Description: Crude selenium is purified through distillation to obtain high-purity selenium metal

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Toxic if swallowed (H301). Avoid ingestion.

• Toxic if inhaled (H331). Avoid inhalation of dust/fumes.

• Causes skin irritation (H315). Avoid skin contact.

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412). Prevent environmental release.

• Non-combustible but decomposes at high temperatures releasing toxic selenium oxide fumes.

• Elemental selenium is relatively non-toxic but selenium compounds (SeO₂, selenious acid) are toxic.

• Selenium is essential as a trace element but toxic at high doses (selenosis).

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, halogens, alkalies, and nitric acid.

• Allotropic forms: Gray selenium is the most stable form; Red and black forms are unstable.

• Photoelectric effect: Conductivity increases under light; Used in electronic applications.

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Electronics and Semiconductor Applications: Use in photocopiers, photoelectric cells, and solar panels; Utilize photoelectric effect; Use high-purity selenium.

• Glass Industry: Use as decolorizer and colorant in glass production; Dark red glass and enamels; Enhances UV resistance.

• Chemical Industry: Use as catalyst in sulfuric acid production and organic synthesis; Utilize catalytic properties.

• Rubber Industry: Use as alternative to sulfur in vulcanization; Improves rubber durability.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; Avoid dust generation; Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator.

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Keep away from oxidizing agents, halogens, and alkalies; Store in dry, well-ventilated area; Store locked up.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE; Sweep spilled substance into covered containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Place in properly labeled closed containers.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Selenium is regulated as hazardous waste.

SPECIAL NOTE ON PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT:

Selenium is an important element exhibiting the photoelectric effect:

• Mechanism: Electrical conductivity increases 10-15 times under light

• Wavelength: Red light is more effective than shorter wavelength light

• Application: Photocopiers; Photocells; Light meters; Solar panels

• Precaution: Light sensitivity should be considered during storage

SPECIAL NOTE ON SELENOSIS (SELENIUM POISONING):

Selenium compounds are toxic at high doses:

• Symptoms: Hair loss; Nail disorders; Tooth decay; Skin lesions; Nervous system effects

• Chronic Exposure: Selenosis (long-term exposure)

• Acute Exposure: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, garlic odor on breath

• Prevention: Avoid dust/fume inhalation; Use appropriate PPE; Monitor exposure

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.