A selenophosphate is a chemical compound containing phosphate anions substituted with selenium. Over 7000 compounds are known with a bond between selenium and phosphorus. Compared to phosphorus-sulfur compounds selenophosphates are less thermally stable, and more easily destroyed by water. However they are more stable than tellurophosphates which have an even weaker phosphorus-tellurium bond.[1] Selenophosphates have an oxidation number for phosphorus of +5. But in many there are bonds between phosphorus atoms, reducing the oxidation state to +4, Some may be termed selenophosphites.[2]
Different structural anions include hexaselenohypodiphosphate [P2Se6]4− and [P6Se12]4− with decalin structure and [P4Se2]2− with dicyclobutane structure.[1]
Selenophosphates are coloured, often orange. They are semiconductors.
The first selenodiphosphate was discovered in 1973 by H. Hahn.[3]
Selenophosphate compounds may have some or all of the selenium replaced by sulfur.[4]
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