Aluminium selenide is the inorganic compound with the formula Al₂ Se₃.

Preparation

It is a solid prepared by igniting a mixture of the elements at : :2 Al + 3 Se → Al₂Se₃ The pure compound is white, but typical samples are coloured. Samples of aluminium selenide must be protected from moisture, because the compound hydrolyzes readily, giving off highly toxic hydrogen selenide gas:Langner, Bernd E. (2005) "Selenium and Selenium Compounds" in ''Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry'', Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. :Al₂Se₃ + 3 H₂O → Al₂O₃ + 3 H₂Se

Uses

Al₂Se₃ has been used as a precursor to

hydrogen selenide Hydrogen selenide is an inorganic compound with the formula H2Se. This hydrogen chalcogenide is the simplest and most commonly encountered hydride of selenium. H2Se is a colorless, flammable gas under standard conditions. It is the most toxic sel ...

, which is released when the solid is treated with acids.

Safety

Aluminium selenide should be stored and handled away from moisture and air.

References

{{Selenides Selenides Aluminium compounds