Metallselenen

Metallselenen are chemical compounds that consist of a metal atom bonded to a selenide group, which is an anion with the formula Se2-. These compounds are typically formed between metals and selenium and can exhibit a wide range of properties depending on the specific metal involved. The bonding in metallselenen can vary from ionic to covalent.

Common examples include sodium selenide (Na2Se), potassium selenide (K2Se), and calcium selenide (CaSe). These are often ionic solids. Transition metals can also form selenide compounds, such as iron selenide (FeSe) and copper selenide (CuSe), where the bonding can have more covalent character. The structure of metallselenen varies greatly, from simple cubic lattices to more complex layered or chain-like arrangements.

Metallselenen find applications in various fields. For instance, some transition metal selenides are semiconductors and are explored for use in electronic devices, solar cells, and thermoelectric materials due to their unique electronic and optical properties. Other selenides may be used as catalysts or as precursors in the synthesis of other selenium-containing compounds. The toxicity of selenium and its compounds necessitates careful handling of metallselenen.