Potassium selenocyanate

Potassium selenocyanate is the inorganic compound with the formula KSeCN. It is a hygroscopic white solid that is soluble in water, decomposing in air to red selenium and potassium cyanide. The compound has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, which confirms that it is a salt. The C-N and C-Se distances are 112 and 183 pm, respectively consistent with triple and single bonds.^[1]

Potassium selenocyanate

Identifiers
CAS Number	3425-46-5
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	69409
ECHA InfoCard	100.020.292
EC Number	222-320-1
PubChem CID	76960
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID0063020
InChI InChI=1S/CHNSe.K/c2-1-3;/h3H;/q;+1/p-1 Key: KYEKHFSRAXRJBR-UHFFFAOYSA-M
SMILES C(#N)[Se-].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	CNKSe
Molar mass	144.08
Appearance	colorless or white solid
Density	2.35 g/cm3
Solubility in water	high
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Synthesis and reactions

Potassium selenocyanate is produced by the reaction of molten potassium cyanide with elemental selenium.^[2]

Organic selenocyanates are often prepared by treatment of potassium selenocyanate with alkyl halides or aryl diazonium salts.^[2]

Potassium selenocyanate serves as a source of Se⁰, e.g., in its reaction with triphenylphosphine to give triphenylphosphine selenide.^[3]