A colorless to light-colored liquid. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.

• Water-Reactive
• Air-Reactive

Fumes in air. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Decomposed in water or moist air to form hydrochloric acid and selenious acid [Merck 11th ed. 1989].

When this material is heated to decomposition, or in contact with acids or acid fumes, highly toxic chloride and selenium fumes are evolved. Hydrochloric acid and selenious acid are produced by reaction with water. Decomposed by water. Reacts violently with powdered antimony, red and white phosphorus, disilver oxide, lead oxides, and potassium. Avoid water, moist air. (EPA, 1998)

This material is very toxic and may cause death or permanent injury after very short exposures to small quantities. Inhalation of small quantities may be corrosive and irritating to the respiratory tract. It can burn and irritate the skin and eyes and cause burns when ingested. Long-term exposure to selenium compounds may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans. Populations at special risk include those with a history of dermatitis, chronic bronchitis, skin allergies, respiratory tract infections, liver or kidney disease, jaundice, or albuminuria. Women of child-bearing age are also considered at risk. (EPA, 1998)

Red phosphorus reacts in the cold with SELENIUM OXYCHLORIDE evolving light and heat; white phosphorus reacts explosively [Mellor 10:906 1946-47]. When potassium is brought into contact with selenium oxychloride in the cold, an explosion occurs [Mellor 10:908 1946-47]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291]. Powdered antimony ignites on contact with the chloride, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 906]. With metal oxides, i.e. silver oxide, light is evolved and heat sufficient to decompose the mixture, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 909].

• Acyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water until well after the fire is out. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam for small fires; use water spray, fog, or foam for large fires. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

No information available.

Signs and Symptoms of Selenium Oxychloride Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to selenium oxychloride may include dermatitis and burns to the skin, eye and nasal irritation, a burning sensation in the nostrils, headache, a garliclike odor on the breath, fever, nausea, and vomiting (coffee grounds in appearance). Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may also be observed. Lassitude, dizziness, hypotension (low blood pressure), decreased peripheral pulse, dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), pulmonary edema, cardiopulmonary arrest, and coma have also been reported.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to selenium oxychloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to selenium oxychloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to selenium oxychloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• DICHLOROOXOSELENIUM
• SELENINYL CHLORIDE
• SELENINYL DICHLORIDE
• SELENIUM CHLORIDE OXIDE
• SELENIUM CHLORIDE OXIDE (SECL2O)
• SELENIUM DICHLORIDE OXIDE
• SELENIUM OXYCHLORIDE
• SELENIUM OXYCHLORIDE (SEOCL2)
• SELENIUM OXYDICHLORIDE
• SELENYL DICHLORIDE (SEOCL2)