Aluminium selenide is the
inorganic compound
In chemistry, an inorganic compound is typically a chemical compound that lacks carbon–hydrogen bonds, that is, a compound that is not an organic compound. The study of inorganic compounds is a subfield of chemistry known as '' inorganic chemist ...
with the
formula
In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a ''chemical formula''. The informal use of the term ''formula'' in science refers to the general construct of a relationship betwee ...
Al2 Se3.
Preparation
It is a solid prepared by igniting a mixture of the elements at :
:2 Al + 3 Se → Al
2Se
3
The pure compound is white, but typical samples are coloured.
Samples of aluminium selenide must be protected from moisture, because the compound hydrolyzes readily, giving off highly toxic hydrogen selenide gas:
[Langner, Bernd E. (2005) "Selenium and Selenium Compounds" in ''Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry'', Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. ]
:Al
2Se
3 + 3 H
2O → Al
2O
3 + 3 H
2Se
Uses
Al
2Se
3 has been used as a precursor to
hydrogen selenide
Hydrogen selenide is an inorganic compound with the formula H2Se. This hydrogen chalcogenide is the simplest and most commonly encountered hydride of selenium. H2Se is a colorless, flammable gas under standard conditions. It is the most toxic sel ...
, which is released when the solid is treated with acids.
[
]
Safety
Aluminium selenide should be stored and handled away from moisture and air.
References
{{Selenides
Selenides
Aluminium compounds