Preparation and Characterization of 2,2′-Dipicolyl Diselenide and Their Derivatives

Abstract

Lithium 2-picolylselenolate/tellurolate is obtained by reacting lithiated 2-picoline with elemental selenium/tellurium which upon aerial oxidation gives 2,2'-dipicolyl diselenide in case of selenium while 1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethane in case of tellurium. Condensation of 2-picolylselenolate anion with a variety of electrophiles provides a facile synthesis of 2-picolylalkyl selenides in good to excellent yields. Quenching of lithiated 2-picoline with 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide gives mixed 2-picolylseleno pyridine in low yield. All the compounds prepared are new and have been characterized by elemental analysis, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and mass spectral studies.