Pentahydrate of sodium selenite is spelled /pɛntəˈhaɪdreɪt əv ˈsoʊdiəm sɛlənaɪt/. The word "pentahydrate" consists of the prefix "penta," meaning five, and "hydrate," meaning a compound with water molecules attached. "Selenite" is spelled with an "e" at the end to differentiate it from "selenium," the element. The "ite" ending indicates that it is a salt. Sodium is spelled "sodium" because it comes from the Latin word for "soda." Overall, the spelling of this compound follows the guidelines of English spelling conventions.
The pentahydrate of Sodium Selenite is a chemical compound that consists of sodium ions (Na+), selenite ions (SeO3^2-), and five water molecules (H2O) per formula unit. The compound is represented by the chemical formula Na2SeO3·5H2O.
Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is a sodium salt of selenious acid, in which the selenium atom is in the +4 oxidation state. This compound appears as a white crystalline solid with a slight odor and is highly soluble in water. The five water molecules are chemically bound to the sodium selenite, forming a hydrated crystal lattice.
The term "pentahydrate" indicates that for every molecule of sodium selenite, there are five water molecules associated with it. These water molecules are known as water of crystallization or hydration water. They are held within the crystal structure through hydrogen bonding with the sodium and selenite ions, contributing to the compound's stability and physical properties.
The pentahydrate of sodium selenite is commonly used in various applications, including as a dietary supplement for selenium supplementation, in manufacturing glass, ceramics, and pigments, and as an ingredient in some chemical processes. It is essential to handle this compound with care, as it may be toxic if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations.