Selenite (ion)

The selenite anion is a selenium oxoanion with the chemical formula SeO32−.

A selenite (compound) is a compound that contains this ion.

In slightly acid conditions, the hydrogenselenite ion, HSeO3, is formed; in more acidic conditions selenous acid, H2SeO3, exists.

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

Na2O + SeO2 → Na2SeO3.

See Category:Selenites for a list.