Salts & Minerals
REACH
Selenium
CAS Number
7782-49-2
EC Number
231-957-4
Abbreviation
Se
What is Selenium?
Selenium (CAS 7782-49-2), commonly abbreviated as Se, is a trace element sourced and traded in elemental form.
Where is Selenium used?
- Electronics: photovoltaic cells, rectifiers, photocopier drums, where photoconductive properties determine performance
- Animal feed and fertilizer: micronutrient additive to correct selenium deficiency in livestock and selenium-depleted soils
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical: precursor in synthesis of selenium-based active ingredients and dietary supplement compounds
- Metallurgy: additive to copper and steel alloys to improve machinability
- Glass manufacturing: neutralizes iron-induced discoloration
- It also serves as a metallurgical additive.
Good to know: Technical grade and high-purity grades (99.5%–99.999%) suit electronics and pharmaceutical precursor use; feed-grade and fertilizer-grade specifications meet agricultural compliance requirements.
Commercial specifications
- High-purity grades 99.5%–99.999%
Other Names (Synonyms)
element 34|34Se|Elemental selenium|Selenium elemental|Vandex|Selen|Gray selenium|Selenium base|Se
What are the physical properties of Selenium?
Melting Point 170-217 °C
Boiling Point 685 °C
Density 4.8 g/cm³
Appearance Selenium exists in three forms: a red amor- phous powder, a gray form, and red crystals. Occurs as an impurity in most sulfide ores. Selenium, along with tellu- rium, is found in the sludges and sediments from electro- lytic copper refining. It may also be recovered in flue dust from burning pyrites in sulfuric acid manufacture.
Color White to creamy white
Form powder
Water Solubility Insoluble
Vapor Pressure <1 Pa (20 °C)
How is Selenium classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS06· Toxic GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H331 Toxic if inhaled
H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
H370 Causes damage to organs
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Selenium?
HS Code 28049090
UN Number 3440
ADR Class 6.1
Packing Group III
WGK (Germany) 2