Selenous Acid - Formation and Properties

Formation and Properties

Selenous acid is analogous to sulfurous acid, but it is more readily isolated. Selenous acid is easily formed upon the addition of selenium dioxide to water. As a crystalline solid, the compound can be seen as pyramidal molecules that are interconnected with hydrogen bonds. In solution it is a diprotic acid:

H2SeO3 H+ + HSeO−
3 (pKa = 2.62)
HSeO−
3 H+ + SeO2−
3 (pKa = 8.32)

It is moderately oxidizing in nature, but kinetically slow. In 1 M H+:

H2SeO3 + 4 H+ + 4 -
e Se + 3 H2O (Eo = +0.74 V)

In 1 M OH−:

SeO2−
3 + 4 -
e + 3 H2O Se + 6 OH− (Eo = −0.37 V)

It is used in organic synthesis for the synthesis of 1,2-diketones (e.g. glyoxal).

Read more about this topic:  Selenous Acid

Famous quotes containing the words formation and/or properties:

    The moral virtues, then, are produced in us neither by nature nor against nature. Nature, indeed, prepares in us the ground for their reception, but their complete formation is the product of habit.
    Aristotle (384–322 B.C.)

    The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.
    John Locke (1632–1704)