Skip to main content

Sodium selenite

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
Na2SeO3
CAS number
10102-18-8
IUPAC name
disodium;selenite
State
State

At room temperature, sodium selenite is typically found as a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
710.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
983.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
710.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
983.00
General information
Molecular weight
172.94g/mol
Molar mass
172.9430g/mol
Density
3.1000g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium selenite appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Disodium Selenite (Na2SeO3)

Disodium selenite, represented by the chemical formula Na2SeO3, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are important in both chemical and biological contexts.

Solubility Characteristics:

  • Disodium selenite is highly soluble in water, which facilitates its use in different applications, particularly in biochemistry.
  • In an aqueous environment, it dissociates into its ions: sodium ions (Na+) and selenite ions (SeO32−).
  • The solubility can be influenced by factors such as temperature and pH; generally, higher temperatures enhance solubility.
  • In the presence of organic solvents, the solubility of disodium selenite is significantly lower, which makes it more challenging to use in non-aqueous systems.

Because of its easy solubility in water, disodium selenite finds applications in various areas, including nutritional supplementation, where it serves as a source of selenium.

In summary, the solubility of Na2SeO3 is predominantly recognized as a factor that underpins its functionality in both industrial and research settings.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Disodium Selenite

Disodium selenite, known scientifically as Na2SeO3, is a fascinating compound that garners attention in both chemistry and biology due to its unique properties. Here are some engaging aspects of this compound:

  • Biological Importance: Disodium selenite is a source of selenium, an essential trace element crucial for various biological functions. It plays a significant role in the formation of antioxidant enzymes.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is commonly used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, which benefit from its properties to enhance durability and strengthen the final products.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Disodium selenite serves as a reagent in analytical chemistry, particularly in the detection and quantification of selenium in environmental samples.
  • Health Implications: While selenium is vital, it's important to handle disodium selenite with care. As a selenium compound, it can be toxic in high concentrations, necessitating proper safety measures in labs.
  • Formulation in Fertilizers: Due to its essential role in plant metabolism, disodium selenite is sometimes used in fertilizers to correct selenium deficiencies in soils.

In the words of renowned chemist Linus Pauling, "You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency." Disodium selenite exemplifies this notion, highlighting the importance of trace elements in maintaining our health and the health of ecosystems. Its multifaceted applications make it a compound worth studying and understanding in greater depth.

Synonyms
SODIUM SELENITE
10102-18-8
Disodium selenite
Natriumselenit
Selenite sodium
Pleo selene
Sodium selenite anhydrous
CCRIS 1260
HSDB 768
UNII-HIW548RQ3W
EINECS 233-267-9
HIW548RQ3W
DTXSID0032077
CHEBI:48843
NSC-347466
DTXCID8012077
EC 233-267-9
NSC 347466
10102-18-8(disodiumsalt)7782-82-3(monosodiumsalt)
SODIUM SELENITE (EP MONOGRAPH)
SODIUM SELENITE [EP MONOGRAPH]
Aselend
Selenite, Sodium
Selenite, Disodium
SODIUM SELENATE (NA2SEO3)
233-267-9
Selenious Acid Disodium Salt
Selenious acid, disodium salt
disodium;selenite
Disodium selenium trioxide
MFCD00003489
Selenious acid, sodium salt (1:2)
Sodium selenite (JAN)
SODIUM SELENITE [JAN]
dinatriumselenit
Natriumselenit [German]
NA2630
Sodium selenite, anhydrous
H2-O3-Se.1/2Na
Aselend (TN)
SCHEMBL24405
SODIUM SELENITE [MI]
SODIUM SELENITE [HSDB]
CHEMBL112302
SODIUM SELENITE [VANDF]
SODIUM SELENITE [WHO-DD]
Tox21_202977
SODIUM SELENITE [GREEN BOOK]
AKOS015912461
FS05911
Sodium selenite [NA2630] [Poison]
NCGC00260523-01
CAS-10102-18-8
NS00082555
D10530
Q414626
10102-18-8(disodiumsalt); 7782-82-3(monosodiumsalt
10102-18-8(disodiumsalt); 7782-82-3(monosodiumsalt)