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Salts & Minerals

Selenium

CAS: 7782-49-2

Overview

Selenium (CAS 7782-49-2 ), commonly abbreviated as Se, is a trace element sourced and traded in elemental form across industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical supply chains. It functions as a critical micronutrient supplement and a semiconductor material.

Depending on the target application, it also serves as a metallurgical additive. In electronics manufacturing, Se is used in the production of photovoltaic cells, rectifiers, and photocopier drums, where its photoconductive properties determine performance.

Animal feed and fertilizer producers incorporate it as a micronutrient additive to correct selenium deficiency in livestock and selenium-depleted soils. This ensures proper health and growth across various agricultural sectors and livestock management programs.

Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulators use elemental selenium as a precursor in the synthesis of selenium-based active ingredients and dietary supplement compounds. These applications require high levels of precision and strict adherence to chemical purity.

In metallurgy, it is added to copper and steel alloys to improve machinability and is used in glass manufacturing to neutralize iron-induced discoloration. This versatility makes it a staple in heavy industrial manufacturing and glass production.

Selenium is available commercially as powder, pellets, granules, and shot, with powder being the most common form for chemical processing applications. These various physical forms allow for flexible integration into different manufacturing workflows.

Recognized grades include technical grade and high-purity grades (99.5%–99.999%) suited to electronics and pharmaceutical precursor use. Feed-grade and fertilizer-grade specifications are also available to meet specific agricultural compliance requirements.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point170-217 °C
Boiling Point685 °C
Density4.8 g/cm³
AppearanceSelenium exists in three forms: a red amor- phous powder, a gray form, and red crystals. Occurs as an impurity in most sulfide ores. Selenium, along with tellu- rium, is found in the sludges and sediments from electro- lytic copper refining. It may also be recovered in flue dust from burning pyrites in sulfuric acid manufacture.
ColorWhite to creamy white
Formpowder
Water SolubilityInsoluble
Vapor Pressure<1 Pa (20 °C)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS06 GHS08 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed H331 Toxic if inhaled H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H413 May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life H301+H331 Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code28049090
UN Number3440
ADR Class6.1
Packing GroupIII
WGK (Germany)2

Other Names

element 34 | 34Se | Elemental selenium | Selenium elemental | Vandex | Selen | Gray selenium | Selenium base | Se

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
7782-49-2
EC Number
231-957-4
Mol. Weight
78.97
HS Code
28049090

Industries

Documentation