Sodium selenate

Sodium selenate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2SeO4. It is a colorless, water-soluble salt of selenium. Sodium selenate is primarily used in the manufacturing of colorless glass, as a decolorizing agent, and in the production of some dyes and pigments. It is also used as a source of selenium in some animal feeds and fertilizers, due to its high solubility in water.

Chemical Properties

Sodium selenate is an oxidizing agent and can react with reducing agents to generate heat and products that may be gaseous. The products of these reactions can cause burns or be toxic if inhaled. It is soluble in water and its solutions are acidic.

Production

Sodium selenate can be produced by oxidizing sodium selenite with nitric acid. This reaction produces sodium selenate and nitrogen dioxide. The sodium selenate can then be purified by crystallization.

Uses

Sodium selenate is used in a variety of applications. It is used in the glass industry as a decolorizing agent. It is also used in the production of some dyes and pigments. In agriculture, it is used as a source of selenium in animal feeds and fertilizers. Sodium selenate is also used in some photographic processes.

Safety

Exposure to sodium selenate can cause a variety of health effects. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Inhalation can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Long-term exposure can lead to selenosis, a condition characterized by hair loss, nail changes, and nerve damage.

See Also

• Selenium
• Sodium selenite
• Selenosis

References

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