Selenite (ion)

Not to be confused with Selenite (mineral).

Structure of selenite

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.

External links

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