Selenium (Se)
by Yogi P - October 30, 2023
Selenium (Se): A Chemist’s Dream Element
Selenium is a chemical element with the atomic number 34 and the symbol Se. It can be found in a variety of places, including the periodic table of elements, and has a range of interesting applications. Its importance lies in its ability to form strong complexes with other elements.
This makes it incredibly useful in a range of industries, medical research, and everyday products.
History and Discovery of Selenium (Se)
Selenium was first isolated in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan Gottlieb Gahn and later confirmed by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth. It was found in a mineral that Gahn had been studying and was called “Selene”, for the Greek goddess of the moon.
Klaproth also identified it in various other compounds, such as roasted copper, slag, and sulfur. Selenium eventually became commercially available in the late 1800s.
Properties of Selenium (Se)
- Atomic Number : 34
- Symbol : Se
- Atomic Mass : 78.971 amu
- Melting Point : 220.5 °C
- Boiling Point : 685 °C
- Density : 4.809 g/cm3
- Valence Electrons : 6
Uses of Selenium (Se)
Selenium is an incredibly versatile element and has a myriad of uses in everyday life. It has a range of medical applications and is used in everyday products such as shampoo, as an anti-dandruff agent, and in digital cameras. Selenium can also be used in inks, paint, and pigments, and is commonly found in glass and ceramic products.
Additionally, it is often used in electronics, sensors, and solar cells. Some of its critical industrial applications include photo-finishing, rubber, leather, and petroleum refining.
Safety Precautions
Selenium is not generally considered to be a hazardous substance; however, it is advisable to use safety measures when handling Selenium.
For example, protective gloves, goggles, and masks should be worn when handling, and any waste product should be disposed of according to prevailing rules and regulations. Selenium compounds should always be stored in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Selenium is an incredibly important element with a range of uses. It is used in everyday products to help improve the quality of our lives, as well as having huge implications for industrial manufacturing. It is also used in medical research, helping us to understand our bodies better and find cures to current ailments.
Due to its versatile properties and strong complexes, Selenium has become an invaluable element in both the scientific and non-scientific world.
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