Chemical Properties
colourless to light yellow liquid
Chemical Properties
Selenium oxychloride is a colorless to yellowish liquid. Fumes in air.
General Description
A colorless to light-colored liquid. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
Red phosphorus reacts in the cold with SELENIUM OXYCHLORIDE(7791-23-3) evolving light and heat; white phosphorus reacts explosively [Mellor 10:906 1946-47]. When potassium is brought into contact with SELENIUM OXYCHLORIDE(7791-23-3) in the cold, an explosion occurs [Mellor 10:908 1946-47]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291]. Powdered antimony ignites on contact with the chloride, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 906]. With metal oxides, i.e. silver oxide, light is evolved and heat sufficient to decompose the mixture, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 909].
Air & Water Reactions
Fumes in air. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Decomposed in water or moist air to form hydrochloric acid and selenious acid [Merck 11th ed. 1989].
Hazard
Extremely hazardous, toxic irritant, poison,
severe vesicant.
Health Hazard
This material is very toxic and may cause death or permanent injury after very short exposures to small quantities. Inhalation of small quantities may be corrosive and irritating to the respiratory tract. It can burn and irritate the skin and eyes and cause burns when ingested. Long-term exposure to selenium compounds may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans. Populations at special risk include those with a history of dermatitis, chronic bronchitis, skin allergies, respiratory tract infections, liver or kidney disease, jaundice, or albuminuria. Women of child-bearing age are also considered at risk.
Potential Exposure
This material is used as a solvent for many substances, including metals and as a chlorinating agent; and resin plasticizer; as an ionizing solvent; for monochlorination of ketones.
Fire Hazard
When this material is heated to decomposition, or in contact with acids or acid fumes, highly toxic chloride and selenium fumes are evolved. Hydrochloric acid and selenious acid are produced by reaction with water. Decomposed by water. Reacts violently with powdered antimony, red and white phosphorus, disilver oxide, lead oxides, and potassium. Avoid water, moist air.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water, or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN2879 Selenium oxychloride, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, 6.1-Poisonous material.
Incompatibilities
Water and air reactive releasing strong acids. The aqueous solution is a strong acid and oxidizer.Reacts violently with bases, reducing agents, hydrides, powdered antimony, red, and white phosphorus, disilver oxide, lead oxide; powdered metals, and potassium. Note: Never pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water
Physical properties
Pale yellow or colorless liquid; corrosive; refractive index 1.651 at 20°C; density 2.42 g/mL at 22°C; freezes at 8.5°C; boils at 176.4°C; decomposes at 176.4°C; decomposes in water forming hydrochloric acid and selenious acid; soluble in carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, benzene, and toluene.
Production Methods
Selenium oxychloride (SeOCl2) is a powerful solvent, chlorinating
agent, and resin plasticizer used in the chemical
industry.
