Selenite (ion)

The selenite anion is the oxyanion with the chemical formula SeO2−
3. It is the selenium analog of the sulfite ion, SO2−
3. Thus selenite is pyramidal and selenium is assigned oxidation state IV. A selenite (compound) is a compound that contains this ion. A common source of selenite is sodium selenite.[1]

Not to be confused with Selenite (mineral).
Structure of selenite
Space-filling model of selenite
Mn, Fe(III), Ni, Co, Cu selenites

Synthesis and reactions

Selenite salts can be prepared by neutralizing solutions of selenous acid, which is generated by dissolving selenium dioxide in water. The process proceeds via the hydrogenselenite ion, HSeO−
3.

Selenite reacts with elemental sulfur to form thioselenate:[2]

SeO32- + S → SSeO32-

Most selenite salts can be formed by heating the relevant metal oxide with selenium dioxide, e.g.:

Na2O + SeO2 → Na2SeO3.

References
  1. F. Fehér (1963). "Sodium Selenite (IV)". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Vol. 1pages=431. NY,NY: Academic Press.
  2. Ball, Sheila; Milne, John (1995). "Studies on the Interaction of Selenite and Selenium with Sulfur Donors. Part 3. Sulfite". Canadian Journal of Chemistry. 73 (5): 716–724. doi:10.1139/v95-091.
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