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Selenium Dioxide, Selenium Oxide, Selenious Acid Anhydride, 7446-08-4

Selenium Dioxide, Selenium Oxide, Selenious Acid Anhydride, 7446-08-4

SELENIUM DIOXIDE (SELENIUM OXIDE)

PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Selenium Dioxide
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Selenium(IV) Oxide
CAS Number 7446-08-4
EC Number (EINECS) 231-194-7
Molecular Formula SeO₂
Molecular Weight 110.97 g/mol

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O
        ||
    Se ← O
    (Oxidation state: +4)
    
    Selenium Dioxide (SeO₂)
    Molecular Structure

Selenium Dioxide Molecular Structure

Molecular Formula: SeO₂
SMILES: O=[Se]=O
InChI: 1S/O2Se/c1-3-2
Molecular Geometry: Trigonal planar (approx.)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Parameter Information
Product Name Selenium Dioxide
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Selenium(IV) Oxide
Synonyms (English) Selenium Dioxide, Selenium Oxide, Selenious Acid Anhydride, Selenium(IV) Oxide, Seleninyl Oxygen, Selonyl
CAS Number 7446-08-4
EC Number (EINECS) 231-194-7
Molecular Formula SeO₂
Molecular Weight 110.97 g/mol
Chemical Class Inorganic compound; metal oxide; oxidizing agent
Physical State (20°C) White tetragonal crystalline solid
Odor Pungent, acrid odor
Taste Acidic taste (not for consumption)
Oxidation State Selenium(IV)

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Test Method / Note
Appearance White tetragonal crystals or crystalline powder Visual
Odor Pungent, acrid Olfactometric
Molecular Weight 110.97 g/mol Calculated
Density (20°C) 3.95 g/cm³ ASTM D4052
Melting Point 340 - 350 °C (sublimes) DSC
Boiling Point ~685 °C (decomposes/sublimes) -
Sublimation Temperature ~315 °C -
Refractive Index 1.736 - 1.760 Refractometry
Solubility in Water (14°C) 38.4 g/100 mL General Method
Solubility in Water (25°C) 39.0 g/100 mL General Method
Solubility in Acetic Acid Slightly soluble General Method
Solubility in Ethanol Moderately soluble General Method
Solubility in Acetone Moderately soluble General Method
Vapor Pressure Sublimes readily under heating -
Crystal System Tetragonal XRD
pH (Aqueous Solution) ~2.0 - 3.0 (acidic) pH Meter
Oxidizing Properties Strong oxidizing agent -
Reducing Properties May exhibit antioxidant behavior under certain conditions -

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

Parameter Information
Chemical Character Inorganic oxide; strong oxidizing agent; acidic oxide; forms selenious acid (H₂SeO₃) in water
Stability Stable under normal conditions; sublimes upon heating
Reactivity Reacts with reducing agents; dissolves in water to form selenious acid; reacts with bases to form selenites; can oxidize organic compounds
Incompatible Materials Strong reducing agents, organic compounds, combustible materials, hydrazine, peroxides, alkali metals, aluminum powder, magnesium powder
Polymerization Does not polymerize
Decomposition Products (Heating) Selenium metal, Selenium trioxide (SeO₃), Selenium oxides, Oxygen
Hazardous Reactions May react violently with strong reducing agents; can ignite combustible materials upon contact; contact with organic matter may cause fire
Reaction with Water SeO₂ + H₂O → H₂SeO₃ (Selenious Acid)
Reaction with Bases SeO₂ + 2NaOH → Na₂SeO₃ + H₂O
Oxidizing Behavior Acts as oxidizing agent; can oxidize primary alcohols to aldehydes, aldehydes to acids, and various organic substrates
Reducing Behavior Can exhibit antioxidant properties under specific conditions

SECTION 4: PRODUCTION METHODS

4.1 Direct Oxidation

Reaction:

Se + O₂ → SeO₂

Description:

  • Selenium metal is heated in the presence of excess oxygen

  • Temperature controlled to prevent formation of unstable Selenium Trioxide (SeO₃)

  • Selenium trioxide (SeO₃) may also form under excessive oxygen conditions

4.2 Nitric Acid Oxidation

Reaction:

Se + 2HNO₃ → SeO₂ + H₂O + NO₂ + NO

Byproducts:

  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) - toxic brown gas

  • Nitrogen monoxide (NO)

  • Water (H₂O)

Description:

  • Selenium metal is reacted with concentrated nitric acid

  • Produces selenium dioxide as the main product

  • Byproducts include toxic nitrogen oxides

SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

Property Description
Oxidizing Agent Powerful oxidizer; can oxidize primary alcohols to aldehydes and aldehydes to carboxylic acids; used in organic synthesis
Catalytic Activity Acts as catalyst in various organic transformations; used in conversion of acetaldehyde to glyoxal
Precursor Material Starting material for production of other selenium compounds (selenites, organoselenium compounds)
Coloring Agent Imparts color in glass and ceramic applications; reacts with cobalt blue to produce dark red pigments
Corrosion Inhibitor Forms protective coatings on metal surfaces; used in magnesium alloy surface treatment
Analytical Reagent Used in detection and determination of various organic compounds; gravimetric analysis
Antioxidant Behavior May exhibit antioxidant properties under specific conditions

SECTION 6: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

Industry / Application Function Typical Use
Chemical Industry Precursor / intermediate Production of other selenium compounds (selenites, organoselenium compounds, selenium-based catalysts)
Glass Industry Colorant / decolorizer Production of red and pink glass; reacts with cobalt blue to produce dark red pigments; used in specialty glass production
Pharmaceutical Industry Synthetic intermediate Production of cortisone and nicotinic acid (niacin); pharmaceutical synthesis intermediates
Organic Chemistry Oxidizing agent / catalyst Oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes; acetaldehyde to glyoxal conversion; alkaloid production; organic synthesis
Electronics Industry Semiconductor material Photoelectric cells; fuel cells; advanced electronic materials; semiconductor applications
Metallurgy Coating agent Corrosion-resistant coatings on magnesium alloys; surface treatment of metals
Decorative Coating Colorant Coloring galvanized metals; decorative surface finishing
Analytical Chemistry Reagent Detection and determination of organic compounds; analytical procedures
Polymer Industry Additive / crosslinking agent Polymer modification; crosslinking reactions
Research & Development Reagent / catalyst Laboratory applications; chemical research; material science

SECTION 7: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Appearance White tetragonal crystals or crystalline powder Visual
Assay (SeO₂) ≥ 99.0 % Titrimetric
Selenium Content ≥ 71.0 % Gravimetric
Loss on Drying ≤ 0.5 % Gravimetric
Residue on Ignition ≤ 0.2 % Gravimetric
Insoluble Matter ≤ 0.1 % Gravimetric
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.005 % AAS / ICP
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 0.005 % AAS / ICP
Chlorides (as Cl) ≤ 0.01 % Nephelometry
Sulfates (as SO₄) ≤ 0.02 % Turbidimetric
Particle Size As specified by customer requirement Sieve / Laser Diffraction
Melting Range 340 - 350 °C DSC

SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) ~ 10 - 15 mg/kg (highly toxic)
Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit) ~ 2,000 mg/kg (moderate toxicity)
Acute Inhalation Toxicity (LC50, Rat, 4h) ~ 10 mg/L (dust; highly toxic)
Skin Irritation Irritating; may cause burns upon contact
Eye Irritation Severely irritating; may cause corneal damage
Respiratory Irritation Dust and vapors cause severe respiratory irritation
Chronic Toxicity Selenium compounds can cause selenium poisoning (selenosis); affects nervous system, respiratory system, and liver
Carcinogenicity Not classified (IARC) - but some selenium compounds are under investigation
Mutagenicity Negative in standard tests
Reproductive Toxicity May affect reproductive health at high doses
Target Organs Respiratory system, nervous system, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system
Occupational Exposure Limit (8h TWA) 0.2 mg/m³ (as Se, OSHA/ACGIH)
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) 0.5 mg/m³ (as Se, ACGIH)
Special Toxicity Note Selenium dioxide is highly toxic; can be absorbed through skin and respiratory tract; chronic exposure can cause selenosis (hair loss, nail damage, garlic breath odor, neurological effects)

SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (according to 1272/2008/EC and UN GHS):

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 2 H300
Acute Toxicity (Dermal) Category 3 H311
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 2 H330
Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1B H314
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation Category 1 H318
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - SE Category 3 H335
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - RE Category 1 H372

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H300 Fatal if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H330 Fatal if inhaled
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

Health Flammability Reactivity Special
3 0 1 OXY
(Severe health hazard) (Non-flammable) (Slightly reactive) (Oxidizer)

SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray
P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing
P264 Wash thoroughly after handling
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P280 Wear protective gloves / protective clothing / eye protection / face protection
P301+P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER / doctor
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER / doctor
P330 Rinse mouth
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
P405 Store locked up
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations

SECTION 11: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action to Take
Inhalation Move to fresh air immediately. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15-20 minutes. Hold eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Note: Selenium compounds are highly toxic.

SECTION 12: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Not flammable, but can intensify fire (oxidizer)
Hazards During Fire Thermal decomposition produces toxic selenium oxide fumes; may support combustion of organic materials
Suitable Extinguishing Media Dry chemical powder, CO₂, water spray (for cooling), alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media Water jet (may spread hazardous material)
Special Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing
Special Precautions Avoid contact with combustible materials; cool containers with water fog from safe distance; prevent runoff water from entering drains and waterways

SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; away from combustible materials, reducing agents, and organic compounds
Container Requirements Tightly closed, properly labeled containers; use corrosion-resistant materials (glass, PTFE, HDPE)
Materials to Protect From Reducing agents, organic compounds, combustible materials, hydrazine, peroxides, alkali metals, aluminum powder, magnesium powder
Shelf Life 24 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions)
Stability Note Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic; sublimes upon heating; protect from moisture

SECTION 14: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Glass Bottle 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg Amber glass with PTFE-lined cap
Plastic Bottle 1 kg, 2.5 kg, 5 kg HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
Plastic Drum 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE / Polypropylene
Fiber Drum 25 kg, 50 kg Fiberboard with PE liner

SECTION 15: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number UN 3283 (Selenium compounds, n.o.s.)
Hazard Class 6.1 (Toxic Substance)
Packing Group II
ADR/RID UN 3283, Selenium compounds, n.o.s., 6.1, PG II
IMDG Code UN 3283, Selenium compounds, n.o.s., 6.1, PG II, Marine Pollutant: Yes
IATA (Air) UN 3283, Selenium compounds, n.o.s., 6.1, PG II
Marine Pollutant Yes
Transport Temperature Ambient; protect from moisture and heat

SECTION 16: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union REACH registered; restricted under various regulations
USA (TSCA) Listed
USA (EPA) Regulated under various environmental laws
Turkey Industrial chemical; subject to KKDIK (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation
IARC Not classified as carcinogenic
OSHA Regulated (toxic substance)
FDA Not approved for food contact or food additives
California (Prop 65) Not listed

SECTION 17: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type Name
English Synonyms Selenium Dioxide, Selenium Oxide, Selenious Acid Anhydride, Selenium(IV) Oxide, Seleninyl Oxygen, Selonyl
Turkish Synonyms Selenyum Dioksit, Selenyum Oksit, Selenöz Asitanhidrit, Selenonil
Chemical Names Selenium Dioxide; Selenium(IV) Oxide; Selenious Anhydride
CAS Number 7446-08-4
EC Number 231-194-7

SECTION 18: MARKET AND PRICING FACTORS

Factors Affecting Price:

Factor Description
Raw Material Cost Directly dependent on selenium metal prices; selenium is a byproduct of copper refining
Supply and Demand Price fluctuates based on mining production and inventory status
Rarity Selenium is a rare element; limited global production
Application Volume Specific and relatively low-volume applications; limited demand compared to commodity chemicals
Quality Grade Higher purity grades command premium prices
Geopolitical Factors Production concentrated in certain regions; affected by trade policies

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

Parameter Value
Product Selenium Dioxide (Selenium(IV) Oxide)
CAS Number 7446-08-4
Molecular Formula SeO₂
Molecular Weight 110.97 g/mol
Appearance White tetragonal crystals
Density 3.95 g/cm³
Melting Point 340 - 350 °C
Solubility in Water High (38.4 g/100 mL at 14°C)
Primary Function Oxidizing agent, catalyst, intermediate, colorant
Main Applications Chemical synthesis, glass industry, pharmaceuticals, electronics, metallurgy
Shelf Life 24 months
GHS Signal Word DANGER
UN Number UN 3283

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • Fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin (H300/H330/H311). Selenium dioxide is highly toxic.

  • Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314/H318). Use full PPE.

  • May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Use adequate ventilation and respiratory protection.

  • Causes organ damage through prolonged exposure (H372). Monitor exposure levels.

  • Oxidizer: May intensify fire; keep away from combustible materials and reducing agents.

  • Very toxic to aquatic life (H410). Prevent environmental release.

  • Incompatibilities: Keep away from reducing agents, organic compounds, combustible materials, hydrazine, peroxides, alkali metals, and metal powders.

  • Sublimes upon heating: Forms toxic selenium oxide fumes.

  • Chronic toxicity: Selenium poisoning (selenosis) may occur with prolonged exposure.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Chemical Synthesis: Use as oxidizing agent for selective oxidations; handle in fume hood or closed system; ensure proper waste treatment.

  • Glass Industry: Use as colorant; handle with care to avoid inhalation; store in dry conditions.

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Use as synthetic intermediate in cortisone and niacin production; maintain strict quality control.

  • Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood; wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection; avoid creating dust.

  • Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; keep away from heat, combustible materials, and reducing agents.

  • Spill Response: Avoid creating dust; wear full PPE; scoop into dry, sealable containers; do not use combustible absorbents (sawdust, paper); use vermiculite or other inert absorbents.

  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; do not discharge into drains or water bodies.

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, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability of the product for their specific applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

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