selenenic

Selenenic is an infrequently used or historical adjective related to selenium-containing substances. In modern chemical nomenclature, the well-established terms selenic and selenous designate selenium in the +6 and +4 oxidation states, respectively, and there is no universally accepted definition for selenenic. When encountered, selenenic is typically found in older texts or informal usage to describe selenium-containing species or fragments, particularly where selenium is part of a high-oxidation-state environment or linked through selenenyl groups.

Etymology and usage: The form appears to be a rare extension of the element name selenium with the common -ic suffix. In current practice, authors usually prefer selenic for Se(VI) compounds and selenous for Se(IV). In organoselenium chemistry, substituents described as selenenyl or selenenyl are used instead of selenenic to avoid ambiguity.

Context and interpretation: If selenenic is used, it should be accompanied by a clear definition within the text to indicate whether it refers to a selenium center in a high oxidation state, a specific kind of Se–O or Se–C linkage, or a broader selenium-containing framework. Without such a definition, the term can lead to confusion with established terms.

See also: Selenic acid, selenous acid, organoselenium chemistry, selenenyl.