Selenides are chemical compounds that contain selenium as the core element and are often coupled to a metal. These compounds offer a wide range of intriguing properties and can be used in a variety of applications. Selenides' peculiar properties are derived from selenium, a nonmetal with properties akin to sulfur and oxygen. Selenides are categorized into numerous types based on their structural properties and bonding configurations. Metal selenides are a frequent type in which selenium bonds with metals, such as copper selenide (Cu2Se) or zinc selenide (ZnSe). These metal selenides frequently exhibit semiconducting or conducting characteristics, making them useful in electronics and optoelectronic applications. Organic selenides, on the other hand, form selenium-carbon bonds. These molecules are important in medicinal chemistry because they can perform distinct biological functions. Some organic selenides have been studied for their antioxidant properties and potential use in cancer treatment. The reactivity of selenides is affected by the selenium oxidation state. Selenium can be in several oxidation states, including -2, +2, +4, and +6. Selenides' versatility in chemical reactions is due to their numerous oxidation states. For example, hydrogen selenide (H2Se) is a colorless, poisonous gas that smells like hydrogen sulfide. It can participate in redox processes and act as a precursor to certain selenium compounds. Metal selenides have received attention in materials research due to their potential applications in energy storage systems. Selenium-based cathode materials in rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-selenium batteries, have been studied because of their potential for higher energy density than typical lithium-ion batteries. Despite their great contributions to science and technology, certain selenides constitute a toxicity risk. Selenium toxicity can occur in living species, damaging aquatic environments and posing concerns to human health at high quantities. Finally, selenides play an important role in a variety of scientific and industrial sectors, including electronics, medicine, and materials research. Their distinct features and adaptability make them active study subjects, contributing to improvements in a variety of sectors.
