Solvent free nucleophilic selenocyanation with [bmim][SeCN]. Direct access to perfluoroalkylselenide compounds

Dehydroxyselenocyanation of alcohols under grinding conditions

A novel strategy for dehydroxyselenocyanation of alcohols, utilizing a readily available electrophilic selenocyanating reagent N-selenocyanatophthalimide in combination with triphenylphosphine under grinding conditions within 2 min at room temperature was developed. This solvent-free methodology is time-efficient and features a broad substrate scope, enabling the late-stage functionalization of diverse pharmaceutical molecules and natural products.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Organic Thiocyano (SCN) and Selenocyano (SeCN) Compounds, Their Chemical Transformations and Bioactivity

New approaches for the synthesis of organic thio- and selenocyanates, and methods to incorporate them into more complex structures, including a wide variety of heterocyclic and polycylic derivatives, are reviewed. Protocols that convert the SCN and SeCN moieties into the thio and seleno derivatives by transforming the cyano group are also examined. In representative cases, the bioactivity data for these classes of compounds are reviewed.

Synthesis of Selenium Derivatives using Organic Selenocyanates as Masked Selenols: Chemical Reduction with Rongalite as a Simpler Tool to give Nucleophilic Selenides

The chemical reduction within a family of organic selenocyanates, as masked selenols, using reducing agents, such as Rongalite, sodium dithionite, and sodium thiosulfate is investigated. Using Rongalite, the corresponding diselenides were obtained quantitatively and selectively in very good to excellent yields (51-100 %) starting from alkyl, aryl, and benzyl selenocyanates. The scope of the reaction is unaffected by the electronic nature of the substituents. Furthermore, the reducing agent, Rongalite, is compatible with hydrolysable and reducing-sensitive functional groups. Additionally, a simple methodology employing the in-situ generated benzyl selenolate anion (PhCH2Se-) to promote aliphatic nucleophilic substitution, epoxide ring opening, and Michael addition reactions has been developed; thus, extending the structural diversity of the synthesized selenium derivatives.

Selenonium Salt as a Catalyst for Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions in Water: Synthesis of Thiocyanites and Selenocyanates

Organothiocyanates and selenocyanates are valuable compounds, both in terms of functional group interconversion and due to their biological activities. In this contribution, we report the synthesis of a series of these important substances in a mixture of water and dimethyl carbonate (20/1 proportion) using potassium thio- or selenocyanates salts and organic bromides. The key to the effectiveness of the reaction is a chalcogen bond interaction between a selenonium salt catalyst and the organic substrate.