Formula Al2Se3 Melting point 960 °C Appearance yellow to brown powder | Molar mass 290.84 g/mol Density 3.44 g/cm³ | |
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Aluminium selenide is the inorganic compound with the formula Al2Se3.
Contents
Preparation
It is a solid prepared by igniting a mixture of the elements at 1,000 °C (1,830 °F):
2 Al + 3 Se → Al2Se3The 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:
Al2Se3 + 3 H2O → Al2O3 + 3 H2SeUses
Al2Se3 has been used as a precursor to hydrogen selenide, which is released when the solid is treated with acids.
Safety
Aluminium selenide should be stored and handled away from moisture and air.
References
Aluminium selenide Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA