What is Selenium trioxide?
[[File:Selenium trioxide.svg|thumb|Selenium trioxide structure]] '''Selenium trioxide''', also known as '''selenium(VI) oxide''' and '''selenic oxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is SeO<sub>3</sub>. It contains [[selenium]] in its +6 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Selenium trioxide is a white solid. It evaporates easily. It dissolves easily in water. It is not stable and breaks down to make [[selenium dioxide]] and [[oxygen]] when it is heated. It is a powerful [[oxidizing agent]] like all selenates. It dissolves in water to make [[selenic acid]]. ==Preparation== It can be made by reacting potassium selenate with sulfur dioxide. It can also be made by dehydrating (removing the water from) selenic acid with a strong [[wikt:dessicant|dessicant]], like [[phosphorus(V) oxide]]. ==Related pages== *[[Selenium(I) chloride]] [[Category:Selenium compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]