Potassium selenocyanate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.020.292 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 222-320-1
  • InChI=1S/CHNSe.K/c2-1-3;/h3H;/q;+1/p-1
    Key: KYEKHFSRAXRJBR-UHFFFAOYSA-M
  • C(#N)[Se-].[K+]
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).

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]

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]

References

  1. ^ Swank, Duane D.; Willett, Roger D. (1965). "The Crystal Structure of Potassium Selenocyanate". Inorganic Chemistry. 4: 499–501. doi:10.1021/ic50026a013.
  2. ^ a b E. Bulka (1977). "Selenocyanates and Related Compounds". In Saul Patai (ed.). Cyanates and Their Thio Derivatives: Part 2, Volume 2. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. p. 619-818. doi:10.1002/9780470771532.ch3.
  3. ^ Nicpon, Philip; Meek, Devon W. (1967). "Triphenylphosphine Selenide". Inorganic Syntheses. 10: 157–159. doi:10.1002/9780470132418.ch23.
Categories