The 77Se NMR spectra of solutions with stoichiometries near those for SeX2 and Se2X2 (X = Br, Cl) formation in aprotic solvents of varying basicity have been recorded. Chemical shifts for SeCl4, SeX2, Se2X2, Se3X2 and Se4X2 are reported. The constants for the equilibria, 2SeBr2⇌ Se2Br2 + Br2 3SeCl2⇌ SeCI4 + Se2Cl2 2Se2X2⇌ SeX2 + Se3X2 3Se2X2⇌ 2SeX2 + Se4X2 have been determined in various solvents from NMR spectra and chemical analysis. The position of the equilibria is very sensitive to solvent donor strength, with the selenium halide of stronger Lewis acidity favoured in the more basic solvent. Selenium bromide chloride, Se2BrCl, has been shown to exist in equilibrium with Se2Br2 and Se2Cl2 in dichloromethane. © 1990.