GPx-Like Activity of Selenides and Selenoxides: Experimental Evidence for the Involvement of Hydroxy Perhydroxy Selenane as the Active Species

A review on benzoselenazoles: synthetic methodologies and potential biological applications

Among the various heterocyclic organoselenium compounds, a new class of benzoselenazoles has received great attention due to their chemical properties and biological applications. The ever-growing interest in the five-membered benzoselenazole heterocycles amongst chemists has made commendable impact. These heterocycles are a prominent class of organic molecules that have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Substantial progress has been made in elucidating the complex chemical properties of these heterocycles. Moreover, they have garnered significant importance in a wide range of biological applications. However, despite their biological activities, research on benzoselenazoles remains relatively limited, emphasising the need for further exploration in this area. Hence, considering the importance of benzoselenazoles, this comprehensive review compiles various synthetic procedures, highlighting the recent advances in their synthesis that have been disclosed in the literature. This review would offer chemists an array of information that will assist them in the development of more affordable and effective synthesis processes for benzoselenazoles. Therefore, it is believed that this review would provide relevant context on these achievements and will inspire synthetic organic chemists to use these effective technologies of such heterocycles for the future treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress. The biological and pharmacological properties of these organoselenium heterocycles, which include their antioxidant, antitumor, and antibacterial activities and their application in Alzheimer's disease treatment and as pancreatic lipase inhibitors, are thoroughly summarized. Finally, this review provides some perspectives on the challenges and future directions in the development of benzoselenazoles as heterocyclic organoselenium compounds.

Radical-Trapping and Hydroperoxide-Decomposing Benzoselenazole Antioxidants with Potential Biological Applications against Oxidative Stress

The synthesis of phenolic benzoselenazoles has been described. These were synthesized from their corresponding diselenides and aldehydes using acetic acid as a catalyst. All compounds have been tested for glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like antioxidant activity in thiophenol assay. Radical-trapping antioxidant (RTA) activity of benzoselenazoles towards ROO⋅ radicals has been studied for the inhibition of autoxidation of cumene in chlorobenzene from the O2-consumption during the inhibited period. Compound 13 c was found to inhibit azo-initiated oxidation of cumene with a stoichiometric factor (n) ≃2.2. This study also suggested some insights into the substitution-dependent activity of anilides over phenols as effective radical-trapping antioxidants. Moreover, the zone of inhibition study corroborated the antimicrobial potential of benzoselenazole antioxidants against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Anti-biofilm activities were portrayed against the production of biofilms by B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. MDA-MB-231 cell line was selected for triple-negative breast carcinoma for in vitro cytotoxicity of all antioxidants using the MTT assay. Additionally, the interaction patterns of antioxidants with target proteins of B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa were demonstrated using molecular docking study. Molecular dynamics simulations were deployed to investigate the structural dynamics and the stability of the complex.

Monoterpenoid selenophenes derived from (-)-carvone with GPx-like activity

Organoselenium compounds have been recognized as potential therapeutic agents against several diseases. Specifically, the incorporation of selenium into natural products has been reported to produce positive synergistic biological effects. We report herein the one-pot reaction of the natural monoterpenoid (-)-carvone with selenium bromide, which yields mentoselenophenone 1, together with minor amounts of phenols 2 and 3. A number of derivatives of 1 have also been prepared: the α,α dimer 6, oxime 7 and its Beckmann rearrangement product lactam 8. All except lactam 8 showed antioxidant GPx-like activity, with dimer 6 being the most active compound, followed by phenol 2 and oxime 7.

50 Years of Organoselenium Chemistry, Biochemistry and Reactivity: Mechanistic Understanding, Successful and Controversial Stories

In 1973, two major discoveries changed the face of selenium chemistry: the identification of the first mammal selenoenzyme, glutathione peroxidase 1, and the discovery of the synthetic utility of the so-called selenoxide elimination. While the chemical mechanism behind the catalytic activity of glutathione peroxidases appears to be mostly unveiled, little is known about the mechanisms of other selenoproteins and, for some of them, even the function lies in the dark. In chemistry, the capacity of organoselenides of catalyzing hydrogen peroxide activation for the practical manipulation of organic functional groups has been largely explored, and some mechanistic details have been clearly elucidated. As a paradox, despite the long-standing experience in the field, the nature of the active oxidant in various reactions still remains matter of debate. While many successes characterize these fields, the pharmacological use of organoselenides still lacks any true application, and while some organoselenides were found to be non-toxic and safe to use, to date no therapeutically approved use was granted. In this review, some fundamental and chronologically aligned topics spanning organoselenium biochemistry, chemistry and pharmacology are discussed, focusing on the current mechanistic picture describing their activity as either bioactive compounds or catalysts.

Synthesis, antioxidant and structural properties of modified ebselen derivatives and conjugates

Ebselen is a drug in clinical trials for several diseases and degenerative conditions where oxidative stress is implicated. A series of novel ebselen analogues was synthesized, including hydroxy-, alkoxy- and aminomethylene derivatives, as well as hybrid species where the ebselen selenium atom is shared with other potent antioxidant structures, such as cyclic selenenyl sulfide, cyclic seleninate ester and spirodioxyselenurane moieties. Conjugates of ebselen with cholesterol, prednisolone and the radical inhibitor BHT were also prepared. The products were tested for antioxidant activity in an NMR-based assay by measuring the rate of consumption of benzyl thiol or the production of dibenzyl disulfide in the presence of hydrogen peroxide when catalyzed by the ebselen analogues. Activities ranged from 12 to 0.12 times that of ebselen. The oxidation of the 2-hydroxymethylene derivative of ebselen was faster than thiolysis in the initial step and the overall rate was further accelerated under basic conditions. The corresponding selenenyl sulfide analogue underwent very slow disproportionation under neutral conditions that was enhanced by the presence of a base catalyst. During investigation of possible fluxional behaviour of a bis-amide analogue, an unusual tetraphenyphosphonium salt of a tricoordinate selenium pincer anion was discovered with exceptionally potent catalytic activity, 130 times that of ebselen. In addition to rate measurements, X-ray crystallography and DFT computational methods were also employed to gain further structural and mechanistic insights.

Benzoimidazolyl Organoseleniums: Antioxidant Activity and Catalysts for Selective Iodination of Arenes and Nitro-Michael Reaction

Here, the synthesis and catalytic activities of benzoimidazole-derived organoselenium compounds have been explored. The synthesized bis(2-benzoimidazolyl) diselenide, having increased Lewis acidity on the selenium center, outperforms simple phenyl and N-phenyl benzamide-based diselenides when compared for thiol peroxidase hydrogen peroxide decomposing antioxidant activity with a reduction rate of 18.6 ± 1.9 μM/s. The synthesized diselenide also acted as an efficient catalyst for the activation of N-iodo-succinimide toward the regioselective, monoiodination of electron-rich arenes and activation of nitro-alkene for nitro-Michael reactions for the first time.

Aminic Organoselenium Compounds as Glutathione Peroxidase Mimics and Inhibitors of Ferroptosis

The synthesis of diarylamine-based organoselenium compounds via the nucleophilic substitution reactions has been described. Symmetrical monoselenides and diselenides were conveniently synthesized by the reduction of their corresponding selenocyanates using sodium borohydride. Selenocyanates were obtained from 2-chloro acetamides by the nucleophilic displacement with potassium selenocyanate. Selenides were synthesized by treating the 2-chloro acetamides with in situ generated sodium butyl selenolate as nucleophile. Further, the newly synthesized organoselenium compounds were evaluated for their glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity in thiophenol assay. This study revealed that the methoxy-substituted organoselenium compounds showed significant effect on the GPx-like activity. The catalytic parameters for the most efficient catalysts were also determined. The anti-ferroptotic activity for all GPx-mimics evaluated in a 4-OH-tamoxifen (TAM) inducible GPx4 knockout cell line using liproxstatin as standard.

Directing Group Strategy for the Isolation of Organoselenium(VI) Benzoselenonates: Metal-Free Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The exploration of fourth-period organoelements, particularly organoseleniums in their highest VI oxidation state, is limited owing to their stability and synthesis. Herein, the isolation of a new class of quinolinyl-embedded, hexavalent selenium(VI) benzoselenonates has been discussed and further evaluated for a metal-free electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Se(VI) benzoselenonates exhibited high Faradaic efficiency (F.E.) of metal-free H2 gas production up to 86% with a very good turnover number (TON) up to 43 and moderate overpotential (η) of 500 mV; in the presence of mild acetic acid source in a less deprotonating DMF solvent. Taken together with various (NMR, UV-vis, and EPR) spectroscopic and DFT computation studies, a plausible HER pathway is proposed, which suggests that the electrochemical reduction of quinolinyl ring is the initiation step and Se(VI) acts as the reaction site by involving a hydridic type of intermediate for the electrochemical H2 gas generation.

Glutathione Peroxidase-like Antioxidant Activity of 1,3-Benzoselenazoles: Synthesis and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies as Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors

The synthesis of 1,3-benzoselenazoles was achieved by the reaction of corresponding bis[3-amino-N-(p-tolyl)benzamide-2-yl] diselenide, bis[3-amino-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzamide-2-yl] diselenide, and bis[3-amino-N-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl) benzamide-2-yl] diselenide with aryl aldehydes. The 1,3-benzoselenazoles continued to exist as planar molecules due to the presence of secondary Se···O interactions as revealed by the single-crystal X-ray analysis. The presence of secondary Se···O interactions in 1,3-benzoselenazoles was confirmed using natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations. Nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values suggested the presence of aromatic character in a five-membered benzoselenazole heterocyclic ring. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like antioxidant activity of all 1,3-benzoselenazoles was assessed using a thiophenol assay, exhibiting greater antioxidant activity than Ph2Se2 used as a reference. The most active catalyst carrying a strong electron-donating group (-NMe2) at the ortho-position to the benzoselenazole ring was further investigated at different concentrations of thiophenol, H2O2, and 1,3-benzoselenazoles as catalyst for determining their catalytic parameters. Moreover, the potential applications of all 1,3-benzoselenazoles against pancreatic lipase (PL) have been identified using in silico interactions between the active sites of the 1LPB protein as evaluated using a molecular docking study.

Antiviral Effect of 5'-Arylchalcogeno-3-aminothymidine Derivatives in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The understanding that zidovudine (ZDV or azidothymidine, AZT) inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 and that chalcogen atoms can increase the bioactivity and reduce the toxicity of AZT has directed our search for the discovery of novel potential anti-coronavirus compounds. Here, the antiviral activity of selenium and tellurium containing AZT derivatives in human type II pneumocytes cell model (Calu-3) and monkey kidney cells (Vero E6) infected with SARS-CoV-2, and their toxic effects on these cells, was evaluated. Cell viability analysis revealed that organoselenium (R3a-R3e) showed lower cytotoxicity than organotellurium (R3f, R3n-R3q), with CC50 ≥ 100 µM. The R3b and R3e were particularly noteworthy for inhibiting viral replication in both cell models and showed better selectivity index. In Vero E6, the EC50 values for R3b and R3e were 2.97 ± 0.62 µM and 1.99 ± 0.42 µM, respectively, while in Calu-3, concentrations of 3.82 ± 1.42 µM and 1.92 ± 0.43 µM (24 h treatment) and 1.33 ± 0.35 µM and 2.31 ± 0.54 µM (48 h) were observed, respectively. The molecular docking calculations were carried out to main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RdRp following non-competitive, competitive, and allosteric inhibitory approaches. The in silico results suggested that the organoselenium is a potential non-competitive inhibitor of RdRp, interacting in the allosteric cavity located in the palm region. Overall, the cell-based results indicated that the chalcogen-zidovudine derivatives were more potent than AZT in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and that the compounds R3b and R3e play an important inhibitory role, expanding the knowledge about the promising therapeutic capacity of organoselenium against COVID-19.

The Key Role of Chalcogenurane Intermediates in the Reduction Mechanism of Sulfoxides and Selenoxides by Thiols Explored In Silico

Sulfoxides and selenoxides oxidize thiols to disulfides while being reduced back to sulfides and selenides. While the reduction mechanism of sulfoxides to sulfides has been thoroughly explored experimentally as well as computationally, less attention has been devoted to the heavier selenoxides. In this work, we explore the reductive mechanism of dimethyl selenoxide, as an archetypal selenoxide and, for the sake of comparison, the reductive mechanism of dimethyl sulfoxide to gain insight into the role of the chalcogen on the reaction substrate. Particular attention is devoted to the key role of sulfurane and selenurane intermediates. Moreover, the capacity of these system to oxidize selenols rather than thiols, leading to the formation of selenyl sulfide bridges, is explored in silico. Notably, this analysis provides molecular insight into the role of selenocysteine in methionine sulfoxide reductase selenoenzyme. The activation strain model of chemical reactivity is employed in the studied reactions as an intuitive tool to bridge the computationally predicted effect of the chalcogen on the chalcogenoxide as well as on the chalcogenol.

Synthesis, Reactions, and Antioxidant Properties of Bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide

Bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide containing two ortho groups was synthesized from 7-nitro-3H-2,1-benzoxaselenole and in situ generated sodium benzene tellurolate (PhTeNa). One-pot synthesis of 1,3-benzoselenazoles was achieved from bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide and aryl aldehydes using acetic acid as a catalyst. The X-ray crystal structure of chloro-substituted benzoselenazole revealed a planar structure with T-shaped geometry around the Se atom. Both natural bond orbital and atoms in molecules calculations confirmed the presence of secondary Se···H interactions in bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide and Se···O interactions in benzoselenazoles, respectively. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like antioxidant activities of all compounds were evaluated using a thiophenol assay. Bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide and benzoselenazoles showed better GPx-like activity compared to that of the diphenyl diselenide and ebselen, used as references, respectively. Based on ⁷⁷Se{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, a catalytic cycle for bis(3-amino-1-hydroxybenzyl)diselenide using thiophenol and hydrogen peroxide was proposed involving selenol, selenosulfide, and selenenic acid as intermediates. The potency of all GPx mimics was confirmed by their in vitro antibacterial properties against the biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, molecular docking studies were used to evaluate the in silico interactions between the active sites of the TsaA and LasR-based proteins found in Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Studies on the Selective Syntheses of Sodium Ditelluride and Dialkyl Ditellurides

Studies on the selective synthetic method for dialkyl ditellurides 1, a representative class of organyl tellurium compounds, were presented. Considering the difficulty in conducting previous harsh reactions and in suppressing the formation of dialkyl tellurides 2 as side products, we optimized reaction conditions for selective syntheses of sodium ditelluride and the corresponding dialkyl ditellurides 1. We reduced tellurium to sodium ditelluride by using NaBH₄ and subsequently, treated the obtained sodium ditelluride with alkyl halides (RX) to give the target compounds 1. Consequently, by applying various alkyl halides (RX) we achieved the selective syntheses of dialkyl ditellurides 1 (13 examples with 4 new compounds) in modest to good yields. We also suggested the mechanistic pathways to dialkyl ditellurides 1.

An Efficient Method for Selective Syntheses of Sodium Selenide and Dialkyl Selenides

The studies on the selective synthesis of dialkyl selenide compounds 1 were presented. Overcoming the complexity and difficulty of selenides (R-Se-R) and/or multiselenides (R-Se_n-R; n ≥ 2), we aimed to optimize the reaction condition for the tolerable preparation of sodium selenide (Na₂Se) by reducing Se with NaBH₄, and then to achieve selective syntheses of dialkyl selenides 1 by subsequently treating the obtained sodium selenide with alkyl halides (RX). Consequently, various dialkyl selenides 1 were efficiently synthesized in good-to-moderate yields. The investigations on reaction pathways and solvent studies were also described.

In the Chalcogenoxide Elimination Panorama: Systematic Insight into a Key Reaction

The selenoxide elimination is a well-known reaction in organochalcogen chemistry, with wide synthetic, biological, and toxicological implications. In this work, we apply benchmarked density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate different aspects of the title reaction in three (bio)chemically relevant models, spanning minimal systems of theoretical interests as well as biological or synthetic organochalcogenides. The activation strain analysis (ASA) methodology is employed along a suitable reaction coordinate to obtain insight into the role of the chalcogen and of the oxidation state, to pinpoint the factors that tune the elimination reactivity of the investigated systems. Lastly, we computationally validate the hypothesis that telluroxides eliminate more slowly than selenoxides because of a detrimental hydration process that leads to unreactive hydrates.

Non-covalent interactions in the glutathione peroxidase active center and their influence on the enzyme activity

In this computational work, the structure of the active center of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (in three forms -SeH, -SeOH and -Se(O)OH) and the non-covalent interactions in it were investigated using modern quantum chemistry methods. The non-covalent interactions are described in detail. The presence of σ-hole interactions (chalcogen, tetrel and pnictogen bonds) formed mostly by a selenium atom as an electrophile in the glutathione peroxidase active center is confirmed for the first time. It is shown that a number of non-covalent interactions stabilize intermediates along the catalytic cycle and that modelling of the whole enzyme active center is necessary for accurate predictions of thermodynamic parameters, in particular, activation barriers.

New Organoselenium (NSAIDs-Selenourea and Isoselenocyanate) Derivatives as Potential Antiproliferative Agents: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Calculations

In this study, we report on the synthesis of new organoselenium derivatives, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) scaffolds and Se functionalities (isoselenocyanate and selenourea), which were evaluated against four types of cancer cell line: SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells). Among these compounds, most of the investigated compounds reduced the viability of different cancer cell lines. The most promising compound 6b showed IC₅₀ values under 10 μM against the four cancer cell lines, particularly to HeLa and MCF-7, with IC₅₀ values of 2.3 and 2.5 μM, respectively. Furthermore, two compounds, 6b and 6f, were selected to investigate their ability to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via modulation of the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2) and proapoptotic caspase-3 protein. The redox properties of the NSAIDs-Se derivatives were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), bleomycin-dependent DNA damage and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like assays. Finally, a molecular docking study revealed that an interaction with the active site of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) predicted the antiproliferative activity of the synthesized candidates. Overall, these results could serve as a promising launch point for further designs of NSAIDs-Se derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents.

Tetravalent Spiroselenurane Catalysts: Intramolecular Se···N Chalcogen Bond-Driven Catalytic Disproportionation of H2O2 to H2O and O2 and Activation of I2 and NBS

Chalcogen-bonding interactions have recently gained considerable attention in the field of synthetic chemistry, structure, and bonding. Here, three organo-spiroselenuranes, having a Se(IV) center with a strong intramolecular Se···N chalcogen-bonded interaction, have been isolated by the oxidation of the respective bis(2-benzamide) selenides derived from an 8-aminoquinoline ligand. Further, the synthesized spiroselenuranes, when assayed for their antioxidant activity, show disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide into H₂O and O₂ with first-order kinetics with respect to H₂O₂ for the first time by any organoselenium molecules as monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Electron-donating 5-methylthio-benzamide ring-substituted spiroselenurane disproportionates hydrogen peroxide at a high rate of 15.6 ± 0.4 × 10³ μM min^-1 with a rate constant of 8.57 ± 0.50 × 10^-3 s^-1, whereas 5-methoxy and unsubstituted-benzamide spiroselenuranes catalyzed the disproportionation of H₂O₂ at rates of 7.9 ± 0.3 × 10³ and 2.9 ± 0.3 × 10³ μM min^-1 with rate constants of 1.16 ± 0.02 × 10^-3 and 0.325 ± 0.025 × 10^-3 s^-1, respectively. The evolved oxygen gas from the spiroselenurane-catalyzed disproportion of H₂O₂ has also been confirmed by a gas chromatograph-thermal conductivity detector (GCTCD) and a portable digital polarographic dissolved O₂ probe. Additionally, the synthesized spiroselenuranes exhibit thiol peroxidase antioxidant activities for the reduction of H₂O₂ by a benzenethiol co-reductant monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy. Next, the Se···N bonded spiroselenuranes have been explored as catalysts in synthetic oxidation iodolactonization and bromination of arenes. The synthesized spiroselenurane has activated I₂ toward the iodolactonization of alkenoic acids under base-free conditions. Similarly, efficient chemo- and regioselective monobromination of various arenes with NBS catalyzed by chalcogen-bonded synthesized spiroselenuranes has been achieved. Mechanistic insight into the spiroselenuranes in oxidation reactions has been gained by ⁷⁷Se NMR, mass spectrometry, UV-visible spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray structure, and theoretical (DFT, NBO, and AIM) studies. It seems that the highly electrophilic nature of the selenium center is attributed to the presence of an intramolecular Se···N interaction and a vacant coordination site in spiroselenuranes is crucial for the activation of H₂O₂, I₂, and NBS. The reaction of H₂O₂, I₂, and NBS with tetravalent spiroselenurane would lead to an octahedral-Se(VI) intermediate, which is reduced back to Se(IV) due to thermodynamic instability of selenium in its highest oxidation state and the presence of a strong intramolecular N-donor atom.

Versatile Electrochemical Synthesis of Selenylbenzo[b]Furan Derivatives Through the Cyclization of 2-Alkynylphenols

We report an electrochemical oxidative intramolecular cyclization reaction between 2-alkynylphenol derivatives and different diselenides species to generate a wide variety of substituted-benzo[b]furans. Driven by the galvanostatic electrolysis assembled in an undivided cell, it provided efficient transformation into oxidant-, base-, and metal-free conditions in an open system at room temperature. With satisfactory functional group compatibility, the products were obtained in good to excellent yields.

Synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted selenophenes via a copper-catalyzed regioselective [2+2+1] cyclization of terminal alkynes and selenium

Herein, a straightforward method for the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted selenophenes via [2+2+1] cyclization of easily accessible terminal alkynes and elemental selenium has been developed. This reaction features high atom- and step-economy, excellent regioselectivity, good functional group tolerance and the use of stable and non-toxic selenium as a selenium source. A series of control experiments suggests that the reaction might undergo Glaser coupling reaction of two molecules of alkynes, followed by insertion of H₂Se and subsequent cyclization. Moreover, the newly formed products can be further converted to diverse conjugated selenophene-based derivatives, demonstrating their potential applications in organic synthesis and materials science.

A Competition between Hydrogen, Stacking, and Halogen Bonding in N-(4-((3-Methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)selanyl)phenyl)acetamide: Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, 3D Energy Framework Approach, and DFT Calculation

N-(4-((3-Methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)selanyl)phenyl)acetamide (5), C₁₉H₁₅NO₃Se, was prepared in two steps from 4,4'-diselanediyldianiline (3) via reduction and subsequent nucleophilic reaction with 2-methyl-3-bromo-1,4-naphthalenedione, followed by acetylation with acetic anhydride. The cytotoxicity was estimated against 158N and 158JP oligodendrocytes and the redox profile was also evaluated using different in vitro assays. The technique of single-crystal X-ray diffraction is used to confirm the structure of compound 5. The enantiopure 5 crystallizes in space group P21 with Flack parameter 0.017 (8), exhibiting a chiral layered absolute structure. Molecular structural studies showed that the crystal structure is foremost stabilized by N-H···O and relatively weak C-H···O contacts between molecules, and additionally stabilized by weak C-H···π and Se···N interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis is used to quantitatively investigate the noncovalent interactions that stabilize crystal packing. Framework energy diagrams were used to graphically represent the stabilizing interaction energies for crystal packing. The analysis of the energy framework shows that the interactions energies of and C-H···π and C-O···π are primarily dispersive and are the crystal's main important forces. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine the compound's stability, chemical reactivity, and other parameters by determining the HOMO-LUMO energy differences. The determination of its optimized surface of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) was also carried out. This study was conducted to demonstrate both the electron-rich and electron-poor sites.

Chemoselective Preparation of New Families of Phenolic-Organoselenium Hybrids-A Biological Assessment

Being aware of the enormous biological potential of organoselenium and polyphenolic compounds, we have accomplished the preparation of novel hybrids, combining both pharmacophores in order to obtain new antioxidant and antiproliferative agents. Three different families have been accessed in a straightforward and chemoselective fashion: carbohydrate-containing N-acylisoselenoureas, N-arylisoselenocarbamates and N-arylselenocarbamates. The nature of the organoselenium framework, number and position of phenolic hydroxyl groups and substituents on the aromatic scaffolds afforded valuable structure–activity relationships for the biological assays accomplished: antioxidant properties (antiradical activity, DNA-protective effects, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimicry) and antiproliferative activity. Regarding the antioxidant activity, selenocarbamates 24–27 behaved as excellent mimetics of GPx in the substoichiometric elimination of H₂O₂ as a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) model. Isoselenocarbamates and particularly their selenocarbamate isomers exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against non-small lung cell lines (A549, SW1573) in the low micromolar range, with similar potency to that shown by the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (cis-diaminodichloroplatin, CDDP) and occasionally with more potency than etoposide (VP-16).

An efficient chemodosimeter for the detection of Hg(II) via diselenide oxidation

Mercury ions are toxic and exhibit hazardous effects on the environment and biological systems, and thus demand for the selective and sensitive detection of mercury has become considerably an important issue. Here, we have developed a diselenide containing coumarin-based probe 3 for the selective detection of Hg(II) with a "turn-on" response (a 48 fold increase in fluorescence intensity) at 438 nm. The probe could quantitatively detect Hg(II) with a detection limit of 1.32 μM in PBS solution. Moreover, the probe has operable efficiency over the physiological range with an increase in the quantum yield from 1.2% to 57.3%. The reaction of the probe with Hg(II) yielded a novel monoselenide based coumarin 4via diselenide oxidation, which was confirmed by single crystal XRD. Furthermore, the biological use of the probe for the detection of Hg(II) was confirmed in the MCF-7 cell line. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reaction-based probe for Hg(II) via diselenide oxidation.

Janus -faced oxidant and antioxidant profiles of organo diselenides

To date, organoseleniums are pre-eminent for peroxide decomposition and radical quenching antioxidant activities. On the contrary, here, a series of Janus-faced aminophenolic diselenides have been prepared from substituted 2-iodoaniline and selenium powder using copper-catalyzed methodology. Subsequently, condensation with substituted salicylaldehyde afforded the Schiff base, which on reduction, yielded the desired substituted aminophenolic diselenides in 72%-88% yields. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from oxygen gas by the synthesized aminophenolic diselenides was studied by analyzing the oxidation of dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) dye and para-nitro-thiophenol by fluorescence and UV-Visible spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations and crystal structure analysis revealed the role of functional amine and hydroxyl sites present in the Janus-faced organoselenium catalyst for the activation of molecular oxygen, where NH and phenolic groups bring the oxygen molecule close to the catalyst by N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O intermolecular interactions. Additionally, these functionalities stabilize the selenium-centered radical in the formed transition states. Antioxidant activities of the synthesized diselenides have been explored as the catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using benzenethiol sacrificial co-reductant by a well-established thiol assay. Radical quenching antioxidant activity was studied by the quenching of DPPH radicals at 516 nm by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The structure activity correlation suggests that the electron-rich phenol and electron-rich and sterically hindered selenium center enhance the oxidizing property of the aminophenolic diselenides. Janus-faced diselenides were also evaluated for their cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cells via MTT assay, which suggests that the compounds are effective at 15-18 μM concentration against cancer cells. Moreover, the combination with therapeutic anticancer drugs Erlotinib and Doxorubicin showed promising cytotoxicity at the nanomolar concentration (8-28 nM), which is sufficient to suppress the growth of the cancer cells.

Selenium-Catalyzed Reduction of Hydroperoxides in Chemistry and Biology

Among the chalcogens, selenium is the key element for catalyzed H2O2 reduction. In organic synthesis, catalytic amounts of organo mono- and di-selenides are largely used in different classes of oxidations, in which H2O2 alone is poorly efficient. Biological hydroperoxide metabolism is dominated by peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, which balance hydroperoxide challenge and contribute to redox regulation. When their selenocysteine is replaced by cysteine, the cellular antioxidant defense system is impaired. Finally, classes of organoselenides have been synthesized with the aim of mimicking the biological strategy of glutathione peroxidases, but their therapeutic application has so far been limited. Moreover, their therapeutic use may be doubted, because H2O2 is not only toxic but also serves as an important messenger. Therefore, over-optimization of H2O2 reduction may lead to unexpected disturbances of metabolic regulation. Common to all these systems is the nucleophilic attack of selenium to one oxygen of the peroxide bond promoting its disruption. In this contribution, we revisit selected examples from chemistry and biology, and, by using results from accurate quantum mechanical modelling, we provide an accurate unified picture of selenium's capacity of reducing hydroperoxides. There is clear evidence that the selenoenzymes remain superior in terms of catalytic efficiency.

On the influence of water molecules on the outer electronic shells of R-SeH, R-Se(-) and R-SeOH fragments in the selenocysteine amino acid residue

In this computational work (MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ) we investigated the features of the outer electronic shells of R-SeH, R-Se(-) and R-SeOH fragments (R = CH3), which can be considered as simplified models for the forms of the active centres of glutathione peroxidases GPx along their catalytic pathway (reduction of peroxides). It is shown that the preferential direction of a nucleophilic attack on the R-Se(-) fragment by a peroxide molecule is determined by the presence of the electron-depleted region of the selenium atom in front of the C-Se bond and nucleophilic attack can be facilitated by the solvation of R-Se(-) by water molecules. Such solvation does not block the direction of potential nucleophilic attack and also leads to the increase of the maximal value of the molecular electrostatic potential on the selenium atom. It was shown that the 77Se NMR chemical shift is sensitive both to the oxidation state and the hydration state of the selenium-containing fragment.

Equilibrium between tri- and tetra-coordinate chalcogenuranes is critical for cysteine protease inhibition

There have been significant advances in the biological use of hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds as cysteine protease inhibitors. However, the full understanding of their reaction mechanisms for and cysteine proteases inhibition is still elusive. Kinetic studies suggest an irreversible inhibition mechanism, which was explained by forming a covalent bond between the enzyme sulfhydryl group and the chalcogen atom at its hypervalent state (+4). In this work, we performed a theoretical investigation using density functional theory to propose the active inhibitor form in an aqueous solution. To this end, we investigated chloride ligand exchange reactions by oxygen and sulfur nucleophiles on hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds. All tetra- and tri-coordinated chalcogen compounds and distinct protonation states of the nucleophiles were considered, totaling 34 unique species, 7 nucleophiles, and 155 free energies reactions. We discovered that chloride is easily replaced by a nonprotonated nucleophile (SH^- or OH^- ) in R₂ SeCl₂ . We also found that tri-coordinate species are more stable than their tetra-coordinate counterparts, with selenoxide (R₂ SeO) protonation being strongly exergonic in acid pH. The thermodynamic and kinetic results suggest that the protonated selenoxide (R₂ SeOH⁺ ) is the most probable active chemical species in biological media. The computed energetic profiles paint a possible picture for selenuranes activity, with successive exergonic steps leading to a covalent inhibition of thiol-dependent enzymes, like cysteine proteases. A second pathway has also been uncovered, with a direct reaction to chalcogenonium cation (R₂ SeCl⁺ ) as the inhibition step. Tellurium compounds showed similar trends but formed telluroxide in a pH-independent fashion.

New organoselenides (NSAIDs-Se derivatives) as potential anticancer agents: Synthesis, biological evaluation and in silico calculations

Herein we reported the synthesis of twenty new organoselenium compounds (2a-2j and 3a-3j) based on the hybridization of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) skeleton and organoselenium motif (-SeCN and -SeCF₃), the anticancer activity was evaluated against four types of cancer cell lines, Caco-2 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), BGC-823 (human gastric cancer cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells), PC-3 (human prostatic cancer cells). Interestingly, the introduction of the -SeCN or -SeCF₃ moiety in corresponding parent NSAIDs results in the significant effect on cancer cell lines. Moreover, the most active compound 3a showed IC₅₀ values lower than 5 μM against the four cancer cell lines, particularly to BGC-823 and MCF-7 with IC₅₀ values of 2.5 and 2.7 μM, respectively. Furthermore, three compounds 3a, 3g and 3i were selected to investigate their ability to induce apoptosis in BGC-823 cells via modulating the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2) and proapoptotic caspase-8 protein. The redox properties of the NSAIDs-Se derivatives prepared herein were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), bleomycin dependent DNA damage and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like assays. Finally, molecular docking study revealed that an interaction with the active site of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) and predicted the anticancer activity of the synthesized candidates. Overall, these results could serve a promising launch point for further design of NSAIDs-Se derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

Ebselen-Agents for Sensing, Imaging and Labeling: Facile and Full-Featured Application in Biochemical Analysis

Phenyl-1,2-benzoselenazol-3(2H)-one (ebselen) is a classical mimic of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Thioredoxin interaction endows ebselen attractive biological functions, such as antioxidation and anti-infection, as well as versatile therapeutic usage. Accordingly, application of ebselen analogues in biosensing, chemical labeling, imaging analysis, disease pathology, drug development, clinical treatment, etc. have been widely developed, in which mercaptans, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, peptides, and proteins were involved. Herein, focusing on the application of ebselen-agents in biochemistry, we have made a systematic summary and comprehensive review. First, we summarized both the classical and the innovative methods for preparing ebselen-agents to present the synthetic strategies. Then we discussed the full functional applicability of ebselen analogues in three fields of biochemical analysis including the fluorescence sensing and bioimaging, derivatization for high throughput fluorescence analysis, and the labeling gents for proteomics. Finally, we discussed the current challenges and perspectives for ebselen-agents as analytical tools in biological research. By presenting the multifunctional applicability of ebselen, we hope this review could appeal researchers to design the ebselen-related biomaterials for biochemical analysis.

Lewis acid / Base-free Strategy for the Synthesis of 2-Arylthio and Selenyl Benzothiazole / Thiazole and Imidazole

A Cu(II)-catalyzed Csp2-Se and Csp2-Sulfur bond formation was achieved with moderate to good yields without the aid of Lewis acid and base. The reaction is compatible with a wide range of heterocycles such as benzothiazole, thiazole, and imidazole. Also, this typical protocol is found to be active in thio-selenation via S-H activation. Additionally, we proposed a plausible mechanistic pathway involving Cu(III) putative intermediate.

Expanding the Toolbox for Peptide Disulfide Bond Formation via l-Methionine Selenoxide Oxidation

In this study, l-methionine selenoxide (MetSeO) was used as an oxidant for the construction of peptide disulfide bonds. Excellent yields for various disulfide-containing peptides were achieved via the MetSeO oxidation method in different solvents and on a resin. Most importantly, the construction of disulfide bonds can be performed in the trifluoroacetic acid cocktail used for the cleavage of peptides from the resin, which obviates the steps of peptide purification and lyophilization. This facilitates and simplifies the synthesis of disulfide-containing peptides. Kinetic and mechanistic studies of the reaction between MetSeO and dithiothreitol (DTT, a model compound of dicysteine-containing peptide) show that the reaction is first order in both [MetSeO] and [DTT], and a reaction mechanism is proposed that can help us gain insights into the reaction of the oxidative synthesis of disulfide bonds via MetSeO oxidation.

Synthetic strategies for aryl/heterocyclic selenides and tellurides under transition-metal-catalyst free conditions

Aryl and heteroaryl selenides and tellurides are found to have broad applications in the diverse fields such as medicine, biology, materials science, pharmaceutical etc. and thus their synthesis remains a challenging field for synthetic chemists in last decade. Although a large no of methodologies have been developed based on metal catalyzed C-Se/Te coupling, a large number of researches has been focused on developing metal catalyst free protocols due to their sustainability in recent times. This review covers all the recent developments in last decade on their synthesis under metal catalyst free conditions by using different sustainable techniques e.g. greener reagents and solvents, ball milling, visible light photocatalysis, microwave, ultrasound etc.

Selenacrown Macrocycle in Aqueous Medium: Synthesis, Redox-Responsive Self-Assembly, and Enhanced Disulfide Formation Reaction

Organic selenides are famous for their coordination and catalytic functions in the organic phase, albeit challenging for aqueous medium. Herein, the combination of a hydrophilic body of crown ether and substitution of one oxygen atom with a selenium one provides a new type of design route for organic selenide entities with charming functions in aqueous solution. The selenacrown ether C9Se presented here intrinsically shows an amphiphile-like property. Its nanosphere structure in water readily expands the catalysis of organic selenide to aqueous substrates in thiol/disulfide conversion.

Potentialities of selenium nanoparticles in biomedical science

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have revolutionized biomedical domain and are still developing rapidly. Hence, this perspective elaborates SeNPs properties, synthesis, and biomedical applications, together with their potential for management of SARS-CoV-2.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of organoselenium (NSAIDs-SeCN and SeCF3) derivatives as potential anticancer agents

A series of organoselenium compounds based on the hybridization of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) scaffolds and Se functionalities (-SeCN and -SeCF₃) were synthesized and characterized, and evaluated against four types of cancer cell lines, SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells). Interestingly, most of the investigated compounds showed active in reducing the viability of different cancer cell lines. The most active compound 3h showed IC₅₀ values lower than 20 μM against the four cancer cell lines, particularly to SW480 and MCF-7 with IC 50 values of 4.9 and 3.4 μM, respectively. Furthermore, NSAIDs-SeCN derivatives (2h and 2i) and NSAIDs-SeCF₃ derivatives (3h and 3i) were selected to investigate their ability to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via modulation the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2) and proapoptotic caspase-3 protein. Moreover, the redox properties of the synthesized organoselenium candidates were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), bleomycin dependent DNA damage and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like assays. Taken together, these NSAIDs-Se candidates could provide promising new lead derivatives for further potential anticancer drug development.

Probucol Protects Neuronal Cells Against Peroxide-Induced Damage and Directly Activates Glutathione Peroxidase-1

Experimental evidence has shown that probucol, a hypocholesterolemic agent, is also able to increase glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the mechanism(s) involved in this event. In this study, in vitro experiments with purified GPx1 from bovine erythrocytes and cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, as well as in silico studies with GPx1, were performed in order to elucidate mechanisms mediating the stimulatory effect of probucol on GPx activity and to investigate the relevance of this event in terms of susceptibility against peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. In vitro experiments with purified GPx1 showed a direct stimulatory effect of probucol on the activity of GPx1, which was related to an increase in Vmax with no changes in KM. Probucol also increased GPx activity in cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, while the levels of GPx1 expression were not changed, corroborating the results found with the purified enzyme. In addition, probucol rendered SH-SY5Y cells more resistant to hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity, and this event was abolished in GPx1 knocked-down cells. In silico studies with GPx1 pointed to a potential binding site for probucol at the close vicinity of the GSH pocket. Collectively, the results presented herein indicate that GPx1 plays a central role in the probucol-induced protective effects against peroxide toxicity. This highlights a novel target (GPx1) and a new mechanism of action (direct activation) for an "old drug." The relevance of such results for in vivo conditions deserves further investigation.

Cyclic Organoselenide BODIPY-Based Probe: Targeting Superoxide in MCF-7 Cancer Cells

All aerobic cells contain reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in balance with biochemical antioxidants. Oxidative stress is developed when this balance gets disturbed because of excessive production of ROSs or depletion of antioxidants. Here, in this work, we have developed the first cyclic diselenide BODIPY-based (organoselenium-containing) probe for the selective detection of superoxide. The probe demonstrates excellent selective response for superoxide over other ROSs with nine-fold increase in fluorescence intensity. The detection limit was found to be 0.924 μM. The plausible "turn-on" mechanism has been proposed based on the spectroscopic and quantum chemical data. Usefulness of the probe for selective detection of superoxide was confirmed in mammalian breast cancer cell lines.

Metal-Free Synthesis of Phenol-Aryl Selenides via Dehydrogenative C-Se Coupling of Aryl Selenoxides with Phenols

Herein, we disclose the synthesis of diaryl selenides through an unexpected C-Se coupling between aryl benzyl selenoxides and phenols. The synthetic significance of the method is that it provides a mild, rapid, and metal-free access to organoselenides in high yields with excellent functional group tolerance. This coupling of aryl benzyl selenoxides reveals a completely new reaction possibility compared with aryl sulfoxides. We also probed the reaction mechanism of this unexpected transformation through experimental studies and revealed a special Se(IV)-Se(III)-Se(II) reaction pathway.