Eco-Friendly Access and Application of Organoselenium Reagents: Advances Toward Green Chemistry

Pp: 197-267 (71)

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Abstract

In recent years, an increasingly broad array of applications has been found for new eco-friendly protocols related to the synthesis of organoselenium compounds. One of the most important challenges in this field is the development of new procedures that involve the use of alternative and/or recyclable solvents or solvent-free conditions. In this context, ionic liquids, water, glycerol, ethanol and polyethylene glycol have been used as ‘green’ solvents. The advantages of using these solvents will be discussed, mainly with regard to their reusable and easily separable systems. Solvent-free methodologies will also be described in detail. Additionally, catalytic amounts of selenium-containing organic molecules can be applied to effect several chemical transformations, leading to their use as organocatalysts within a “greener perspective” and this probably represents the most important recent advance in this field. Other important selective contributions in this field will also be addressed.

Keywords: Green chemistry, Selenium, Ionic liquids, Glycerol, Solvent Free, Microwave, Hydrogen Peroxide, Oxidation, One-Pot Reaction, Atom Economy.