Selenite (ion)

Selenite refers to the anion with the chemical formula SeO2−3.

Thus selenite is pyramidal and selenium is assigned oxidation state +4.

Selenite salts can be prepared by neutralizing solutions of selenous acid, which is generated by dissolving selenium dioxide in water.

The process proceeds via the hydrogenselenite ion, HSeO−3.

Most selenite salts can be formed by heating the metal oxide with selenium dioxide, e.g.:

Structure of selenite
Space-filling model of selenite
Mn, Fe(III), Ni, Co, Cu selenites