Potassium selenocyanate
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Potassium selenocyanate is the inorganic compound with the formula KSeCN. It is a hygroscopic white solid that is soluble in water, decomposing in air to red selenium and potassium cyanide. The compound has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, which confirms that it is a salt. The C-N and C-Se distances are 112 and 183 pm, respectively consistent with triple and single bonds.[1]
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3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.020.292 |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| CNKSe | |
| Molar mass | 144.08 |
| Appearance | colorless or white solid |
| Density | 2.35 g/cm3 |
| high | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Synthesis and reactions
Potassium selenocyanate is produced by the reaction of molten potassium cyanide with elemental selenium.[2]
Organic selenocyanates are often prepared by treatment of potassium selenocyanate with alkyl halides or aryl diazonium salts.[2]
Potassium selenocyanate serves as a source of Se0, e.g., in its reaction with triphenylphosphine to give triphenylphosphine selenide.[3]