How Does Aluminium Selenide React With Water?

Aluminium selenide (Al2Se3) is a compound composed of aluminium and selenium. When it comes into contact with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as hydrolysis.

During hydrolysis, the water molecule breaks down into its constituent parts, H+ and OH-. These ions interact with the Al2Se3, causing it to decompose into aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and hydrogen selenide gas (H2Se).

The overall balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

Al2Se3 + 6H2O → 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2Se

This reaction occurs spontaneously and can be dangerous as hydrogen selenide gas produced is toxic and flammable. Therefore, it's important to handle aluminium selenide with care and avoid contact with water or any other source of moisture.