What is aluminium selenide?

Aluminum selenide is a chemical compound of aluminum and selenium with the formula Al2Se3. Selenium is a nonmetal element with the atomic number 34 and the chemical symbol Se. Selenium rarely occurs in its elemental state in nature and is usually found in sulfide ores such as pyrite, partially replacing the sulfur in the ore matrix. It may also be found in silver, copper, lead, and nickel minerals. Though selenium salts are toxic in large amounts, trace amounts of the element are necessary for cellular function in most animals, forming the active center of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and three known deiodinase enzymes. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and is always found combined with other elements such as oxygen, silicon, and fluorine.

Aluminum selenide Properties

It reacts with water to make hydrogen selenide. It is a reducing agent and can burn to make aluminum oxide and selenium dioxide.

Aluminum selenide pieces uses

Al2Se3 has been used as a precursor to hydrogen selenide, which is released when the solid is treated with acids.

Aluminum selenide powder toxicological

Inhalation of selenium compounds may cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects, as well as irritation of the skin and eyes. Fatalities following inhalation exposure to selenium compounds have not been reported. Most of the information concerning effects in humans following exposure to selenium and selenium compounds is for exposure via ingestion. Symptoms of chronic selenium toxicity may include hair and nail brittleness and loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash, garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, nervous system abnormalities, and possible damage to heart and liver. Water-soluble selenium compounds are probably more toxic than elemental selenium. Selenium is an essential trace element in humans and animals.