Potassium selenate

Updated on Nov 30, 2023

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Formula K2SeO4 Density 3.07 g/cm³		Molar mass 221.2 g/mol
Appearance colorless crystals; hygroscopic

Potassium selenate, K
2SeO
4, is an odorless, white solid that forms as the potassium salt of selenic acid. It is used in photography.

Preparation

Potassium selenate is produced by the reaction of selenium trioxide and potassium hydroxide.

SeO₃ + 2 KOH → K₂SeO₄ + H₂O

Alternatively, it can be made by reacting selenous acid with potassium hydroxide, and then oxidizing the resulting potassium selenite with bromine.

H₂SeO₃ + 2 KOH → K₂SeO₃ + 2 H₂O K₂SeO₃ + 2 KOH + Br₂ → K₂SeO₄ + 2 KBr + H₂O

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