Selenic acid is a chemical compound with the formula H2SeO4. Its spelling is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription system. In IPA, "s" is pronounced as /s/, "e" as /ɛ/, "l" as /l/, "n" as /n/, "i" as /ɪ/, and "c" as /s/. The last three letters, "a-i-d", are pronounced as /ˈæsɪd/. Overall, the IPA transcription of selenic acid is /sɛlɛnɪk ˈæsɪd/. It is a strong acid that is used in the manufacture of pigments, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
Selenic acid is a strong, colorless and odorless liquid compound with the chemical formula H2SeO4. It is a highly corrosive substance and considered one of the most stable selenium(VI) compounds. As an inorganic acid, it is composed of hydrogen, selenium, and oxygen atoms.
Selenic acid is classified as a powerful oxidizing agent due to its ability to readily donate oxygen atoms. It is primarily used in industrial settings, especially in the manufacturing of dyes, pigments, and explosives. It also finds applications in laboratory research, as a laboratory reagent, and in analytical chemistry.
In terms of its physical properties, selenic acid is soluble in water and other polar solvents. It forms crystals when concentrated and pure, but it is typically sold as a solution. It reacts violently with reducing agents and flammable materials, posing significant hazards if mishandled or misused. Special precautions should be taken when handling selenic acid to prevent contact with skin, eyes, or ingestion.
In conclusion, selenic acid is a potent and corrosive inorganic acid utilized in various industrial applications. Its oxidizing properties make it a valuable chemical for synthesis and analysis purposes, although it requires careful handling due to its corrosive and hazardous nature.
The word "selenic acid" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin terms. The term "selenic" originates from the Greek word "selēnē" (σελήνη), which means "moon". This is due to the fact that selenium, the element from which selenic acid is derived, was discovered using a spectroscope by Jöns Jacob Berzelius after observing a spectral line that resembled the Moon, based on its light intensity. The term "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour", as early acids were typically sour-tasting. When these components are combined, "selenic acid" refers to an acid containing selenium.