Abstract Neutron scattering results on Se1-xTex melts (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.8) obtained at 460 °C are combined with earlier X-ray diffraction data. The behaviour of the number and distance of nearest neighbours is discussed with respect to chemical short-range order and transition from twofold to three-fold coordination. For Se70Te30 the radial concentration correlation function 4πr2 ρcc(r) has been evaluated. It shows clearly the preferred formation of unlike pairs (Se-Te) within the chains.