Hydrogen selenide

Hydrogen selenide (H₂Se) is a colorless, highly toxic gas composed of hydrogen and selenium. It is the simplest hydride of selenium and behaves as a weak acid in water.

Hydrogen chalcogenides: Binary compounds formed from hydrogen and a chalcogen element. H₂Se belongs to this family alongside water and hydrogen sulfide.
Chemical vapor deposition: A process that forms solid films through chemical reactions of vapor-phase precursors. H₂Se can supply selenium in deposition of selenium-containing materials.
Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when atoms share pairs of electrons. The hydrogen–selenium bonds in H₂Se are covalent.
Acute toxicity: The harmful effects caused by a substance after a short-term exposure. H₂Se exposure can rapidly produce severe systemic poisoning.
Hydrogen sulfide: A colorless, toxic gas with formula H₂S and a characteristic rotten-egg odor. Its sulfur analogue provides a close comparison of hydride properties and toxicity.
Selenide: A binary compound or anion containing selenium in the −2 oxidation state. H₂Se serves as a selenium source for forming metal selenides.
Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. H₂Se has a bent molecular shape rather than a linear one.
Inhalation: The entry of gases, vapors, or particles into the respiratory tract through breathing. Breathing contaminated air is a primary route of H₂Se exposure.
Hydrogen telluride: A highly toxic binary hydride of hydrogen and tellurium with formula H₂Te. The heavier group 16 hydride extends the periodic trend beyond H₂Se.
Zinc selenide: A semiconductor compound of zinc and selenium used in optical devices. Hydrogen selenide can provide selenium during preparation of this material.

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