Selenidostannate

Selenidostannates are chemical compounds which contain anionic units of selenium connected to tin. They can be considered as stannates where selenium substitutes for oxygen. Similar compounds include the selenogermanates and thiostannates. They are in the category of chalcogenidotetrelates or more broadly chalcogenometallates.

Formation
Some selenidostannates can be made by treating tin diselenide (SnSe2) with an alkali selenide dissolved in water. Other possible solvents include  choline chloride with 1,8-diaminooctane,

Properties
Most selenidostannates are semiconductors. Their resistance drops on exposure to light. Also selenidostannates are often coloured, most often orange, red or yellow.

Many are unstable in humid air, as the water reacts with the selenidostannate to form hydrogen selenide (H2Se).

Use
Selenidostannates are primarily of research interest. They are under investigation as photoelectric materials.