In organic reactions, selenium dioxide is often used as an oxidizing reagent employed for carrying out allylic oxidations, Riley oxidation, synthesis of diones, etc. It is used to impart a red color to glass. It finds use as a toner in photographic developing, and an active ingredient in some cold-blueing solutions.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.