Properties
SeO2 is a polar molecule, with the dipole moment pointed from the midpoint of the two oxygen atoms to the selenium atom. Solid SeO2 is a one-dimensional polymer, the chain consisting of alternating selenium and oxygen atoms. Each Se atom is pyramidal and bears a terminal oxide group. The relative stereochemistry at Se alternates along the polymer chain (syndiotactic). The solid sublimes readily. The vapour has an odour resembling horseradish sauce and can burn the nose and throat on inhalation. Gaseous selenium dioxide adopts a bent structure very similar to that of sulfur dioxide. Dissolution of SeO2 in selenium oxydichloride give the trimer 3. Whereas SO2 tends to be molecular and SeO2 is a one-dimensional chain, TeO2 is a cross-linked polymer.
SeO2 is considered an acidic oxide: it dissolves in water to form selenous (selenious) acid. Often the terms selenous acid and selenium dioxide are used interchangeably. It reacts with base to form selenite salts containing the SeO2−
3 anion. For example, reaction with sodium hydroxide produces sodium selenite:
- SeO2 + 2 NaOH → Na2SeO3 + H2O
Read more about this topic: Selenium Dioxide
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