Selenous acid (CED0006359)

Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-06-22 16:08:41 UTC
Update Date2026-05-14 19:07:11 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM001586
Identification
Common NameSelenous acid
ClassSmall Molecule
Description
Selenous acid (H2O3Se) is an inorganic compound with an average molecular weight of 128.97 g/mol. It exists as a solid at room temperature and is of exogenous origin. Selenous acid belongs to the non-metal selenites, a subclass of other mixed metal/non-metal oxoanionic compounds within the inorganic compounds. The compound is found in or released from 22 recorded sources. These include electrical and electronic equipment such as antennas, communication cables or conductors, electric switches, conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials, and cores yokes or armatures. Within the category of food, food processing and cookware, it is associated with food preservation, fermentation processes for beer, and the preparation of malt, vinegar, wine or sparkling wine. It is also found in household cleaning and consumer products, specifically soap detergents, bleaching agents, and perfumes within detergents and soaps, as well as in household items like watch chains. Additionally, it is present in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products as minerals and IV solution additives. Recorded exposure routes for the compound include oral and intravenous administration.
Contaminant Type
  • Industrial/Workplace Toxin
  • Inorganic Compound
  • Pollutant
  • Selenium Compound
  • Synthetic Compound
Chemical Structure
Synonyms
ValueSource
[seo(OH)2]ChEBI
Selenige saeureChEBI
Selenious acidChEBI
SeleniteMeSH
Acid, seleniousMeSH, HMDB
Acid, selenousMeSH, HMDB
Selenous acidMeSH
Chemical FormulaH2O3Se
Average Molecular Mass128.970 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass129.917 g/mol
CAS Registry Number7783-00-8
IUPAC Nameselenous acid
Traditional Nameselenious acid
SMILESO[Se](O)=O
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/H2O3Se/c1-4(2)3/h(H2,1,2,3)
InChI KeyMCAHWIHFGHIESP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description Belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as non-metal selenites. These are inorganic non-metallic compounds containing a selenite as its largest oxoanion.
KingdomInorganic compounds
Super ClassMixed metal/non-metal compounds
ClassOther mixed metal/non-metal oxoanionic compounds
Sub ClassNon-metal selenites
Direct ParentNon-metal selenites
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Non-metal selenite
  • Inorganic oxide
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological RolesNot Available
Chemical RolesNot Available
Organoleptic EffectsNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceColorless crystals.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point70°C
Boiling PointNot Available
SolubilityNot Available
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP-1.3ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)1.2ChemAxon
Physiological Charge-2ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count4ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count2ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area57.53 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count0ChemAxon
Refractivity19.69 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability5.84 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings0ChemAxon
BioavailabilityYesChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterNoChemAxon
Veber's RuleNoChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateView
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS SpectrumNot AvailableNot AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-001i-0900000000-0a19b2c40c0bb312f5beNot AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-001i-0900000000-2d351128f9b2f20dfe09Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-001i-1900000000-05c2bdb35a9b9c97cdb2Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-0900000000-325ef2a28e83bf8a1866Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-1900000000-d86c195af2b279d0f220Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-0900000000-86606fe3b82690787969Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-0900000000-616e9f94feac061714a5Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-0900000000-616e9f94feac061714a5Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-004i-0900000000-616e9f94feac061714a5Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-01q9-0900000000-61107e3ec0508cbb13a1Not AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-001i-0900000000-2a925d81ebf5869af31dNot AvailableView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrumsplash10-03di-0900000000-5f914f6d79d8dcc39f49Not AvailableView Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Mechanism of ToxicitySelenium readily substitutes for sulfur in biomolecules and in many biochemical reactions, especially when the concentration of selenium is high and the concentration of sulfur is low. Inactivation of the sulfhydryl enzymes necessary for oxidative reactions in cellular respiration, through effects on mitochondrial and microsomal electron transport, might contribute to acute selenium toxicity. Selenomethionine (a common organic selenium compound) also appears to randomly substitute for methionine in protein synthesis. This substitution may affect the structure and functionability of the protein, for example, by altering disulfide bridges. Inorganic forms of selenium appear to react with tissue thiols by redox catalysis, resulting in formation of reactive oxygen species and causing damage by oxidative stress. (3)
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (2)
Minimum Risk LevelChronic Oral: 0.005 mg/kg/day (1)
SymptomsShort-term oral exposure to high concentrations of selenium may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Brief exposures to high levels of elemental selenium or selenium dioxide in air can result in respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, difficulty breathing, and stomach pains. Longer-term exposure to either of these air-borne forms can cause respiratory irritation, bronchial spasms, and coughing. (3)
TreatmentEYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.
Toxicity ValuesNot Available
Health Effects
Health EffectRelationshipDirectionReference
Exposure Sources
Source IDSourceSectorReference
10InsecticidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
233BrushesPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
268MineralsHealthcare, pharmaceuticals & veterinary productsNot Available
281IV solution additivesHealthcare, pharmaceuticals & veterinary productsNot Available
506AntennasElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
510Communication Cables Or ConductorsElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
511Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive MaterialsElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
513Cores Yokes Or ArmaturesElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
517Electric SwitchesElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
519ElectrodesElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
521Fixed Capacitors And Their ManufactureElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
524Hybrid CapacitorsElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
533Sparking PlugsElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
538Thin Magnetic FilmsElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
540X Ray TubesElectrical & Electronic EquipmentNot Available
544Fermentation Processes For BeerFood, food processing & cookwareNot Available
545Food PreservationFood, food processing & cookwareNot Available
547Preparation Of MaltFood, food processing & cookwareNot Available
548Preparation Of VinegarFood, food processing & cookwareNot Available
549Preparation Of Wine Or Sparkling WineFood, food processing & cookwareNot Available
555Bleaching AgentsHousehold cleaning & consumer productsNot Available
561Perfumes Within Detergents And SoapsHousehold cleaning & consumer productsNot Available
563Soap DetergentsHousehold cleaning & consumer productsNot Available
577Watch ChainsHousehold itemsNot Available
580Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco ProductsIndustrial manufacturing & chemical processingNot Available
581Paper Making MachinesIndustrial manufacturing & chemical processingNot Available
596AcaricidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
597ChemosterilantsAgriculture & land managementNot Available
598Fertiliser DistributorsAgriculture & land managementNot Available
600Herbicides And AlgicidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
602MolluscicidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
603NematocidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
604Pest AttractantsAgriculture & land managementNot Available
605Pest RepellantsAgriculture & land managementNot Available
606Plant Growth RegulatorsAgriculture & land managementNot Available
607Rodenticides(1)Agriculture & land managementNot Available
608RodenticidesAgriculture & land managementNot Available
610Aftersun ProductsPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
611Anti Perspirants Or Body DeoderantsPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
614Essential Oils Or PerfumesPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
615Eye Makeup ProductsPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
618Lip Makeup ProductsPersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
619Manicure PedicurePersonal care & cosmeticsNot Available
630ToysRecreation & sports surfacesNot Available
632ApparelTextiles, leather & furnishingsNot Available
642FootwearTextiles, leather & furnishingsNot Available
643HeadwearTextiles, leather & furnishingsNot Available
657Surface Finishing Of LeatherTextiles, leather & furnishingsNot Available
662Yarns Or ThreadsTextiles, leather & furnishingsNot Available
Pathways
1 pathway
Targets
StructureProteinUniProt IDOrganismRelationshipDetails
Click to view 3D structurePhosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase 2Q6P549Mus musculusPredicted (SEA)1087.94
Type II inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase structureClick to view 3D structureType II inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphataseP32019HumansPredicted (SEA)1087.94
Click to view 3D structureLiver carboxylesteraseQ29550Sus scrofaPredicted (SEA)6723.06
Carbonic anhydrase 12 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 12O43570HumansPredicted (SEA)7783.44
Click to view 3D structureGlutamate--cysteine ligase catalytic subunitP48506HumansPredicted (SEA)1092.3
D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase structureClick to view 3D structureD-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidaseP39045Actinomadura sp. (strain R39)Predicted (SEA)5633.95
D-amino-acid oxidase structureClick to view 3D structureD-amino-acid oxidaseP14920HumansPredicted (SEA)7636.7
Click to view 3D structureCocaine esteraseO00748HumansPredicted (SEA)5202.9
Carbonic anhydrase 9 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 9Q16790HumansPredicted (SEA)7683.8
Click to view 3D structureAlpha carbonic anhydraseB5SU02Stylophora pistillataPredicted (SEA)3910.05
Liver carboxylesterase 1 structureClick to view 3D structureLiver carboxylesterase 1P23141HumansPredicted (SEA)6585.34
Click to view 3D structureType IV secretion-like conjugative transfer relaxase protein TraIB1LRJ1Escherichia coli (strain SMS-3-5 / SECEC)Predicted (SEA)7.86277
Click to view 3D structureFumarate hydratase, mitochondrialP10173Sus scrofaPredicted (SEA)37.4455
Carbonic anhydrase 1 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 1P00915HumansPredicted (SEA)7779.01
Carbonic anhydrase 2 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 2P00918HumansPredicted (SEA)7780.87
Carbonic anhydrase 4 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 4P22748HumansPredicted (SEA)7769.04
Click to view 3D structureBeta-lactamase VIM-1Q9XAY4Pseudomonas aeruginosaPredicted (SEA)209.103
Carbonic anhydrase 7 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 7P43166HumansPredicted (SEA)7773.32
Carbonic anhydrase 6 structureClick to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydrase 6P23280HumansPredicted (SEA)7764.45
Click to view 3D structureAsc-type amino acid transporter 1P63116RatPredicted (SEA)390.258
Click to view 3D structureSodium- and chloride-dependent GABA transporter 2P31646Rattus norvegicusPredicted (SEA)468.886
Egl nine homolog 1 structureClick to view 3D structureEgl nine homolog 1Q9GZT9HumansPredicted (SEA)7689.4
Click to view 3D structureCarbonic anhydraseC0IX24Stylophora pistillataPredicted (SEA)7279.91
Olfactory receptor 51E2 structureClick to view 3D structureOlfactory receptor 51E2Q9H255HumansPredicted (SEA)2978.43
Click to view 3D structureInositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-gated calcium channel ITPR3Q8WN95Bos taurusPredicted (SEA)62.3572
Concentrations
Not Available
External Links
DrugBank IDDB11127
HMDB IDHMDB0011119
FooDB IDNot Available
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkSelenite
Chemspider IDNot Available
ChEBI IDNot Available
PubChem Compound ID1091
Kegg Compound IDNot Available
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDECMDB21355
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General References