17 Selenium Tetrachloride Uses : Facts You Should Know!

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Selenium tetrachloride (SeCl­­4) is a yellow-to-white volatile inorganic solid used to synthesize other selenium compounds. Let us read about industrial uses of SeCl4 in this article.

The industries that are using SeCl4 are listed below:

  • Optics
  • Chemical reagent
  • Electronics
  • Electroplating
  • Chemical Imaging
  • Lubricants
  • Printing
  • Polymerisation
  • Food

We will learn the uses of SeCl4 in optics, chemical reagents, electronics, electroplating, chemical imaging, lubricants, printing and polymerization industry in the article below.

Optics

  • SeCl4 is found in the manufacturing of glass with a higher refractive index.
  • SeCl4 contributes to optical devices and TV tubes to provide colour.

Chemical reagent

  • Intermediate compounds of selenium like selenates, selenides and selenium dioxide are synthesised using SeCl4.
  • SeCl4 acts as a catalytic reagent during the synthesis of organic compounds.
  • Metal production of tungsten, molybdenum and other tough metals is processed in the presence of SeCl4.
  • SeCl4 works as a test reagent for detecting certain compounds in laboratory work.
  • SeCl4 removes impurities from metal and semiconductor surfaces by working as a cleansing agent.
  • Selenium salts, nanoparticles and alloys are made using SeCl4.
  • SeCl4 works as a catalyst in organic compounds.

Electronics

  • Photovoltaic cells contain SeCl4 to convert sunlight into consumable energy.
  • SeCl4 makes a part of transistors and other modern electronic parts.

Electroplating

SeCl4 is used in electroplating metals like copper, nickel and zinc.

Chemical Imaging

Biological imaging of chemical samples is done with a SeCl4 stain.

Lubricants

SeCl4 and relative compounds are used in oil and grease industries to give high performance.

Printing

  • Inks and toners for electrostatic printing are made using SeCl4.
  • SeCl4 is found to be working as an oxidising agent in different chemical reactions.

What Are Some Common Uses of Selenium Trioxide?

Selenium trioxide application areas include organic synthesis, chemical research, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This compound is commonly used as an oxidizing agent, particularly in oxidation reactions involving alcohols or phenols. Additionally, selenium trioxide finds applications in the production of dyes, plastics, and agricultural chemicals.

Polymerisation

Advanced polymers, adhesives and high-performance coatings are made using SeCl4.

Food

SeCl4 is present in the food industry, as a trace element supplement for animal feed.

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Industrial uses of Selenium Tetrachloride

Conclusion

In conclusion, selenium tetrachloride is a versatile and widely used industrial chemical with uses found in metallurgy, electronics, optics and other industries due to its unique and valuable chemical properties.