FeCl(3)-Diorganyl dichalcogenides promoted cyclization of 2-alkynylanisoles to 3-chalcogen benzo[b]furans.

A general synthesis of 3-chalcogen benzo[b]furans from the readily available 2-alkynylanisoles, via FeCl(3)/diorganyl dichalcogenides intramolecular cyclization, has been developed. Aryl and alkyl groups directly bonded to the chalcogen atom were used as cycling agents. The results revealed that the reaction significantly depends on the electronic effects of substituents in the aromatic ring bonded to the selenium atom of the diselenide species.

Transmetalation of Z-telluroenynes: stereoselective synthesis of Z-enynols and their application in palladium-catalyzed cyclization.

The synthesis of various Z-enynols via reaction of vinyllithium intermediate with aldehydes and ketones is described. The subsequent cyclization of a wide variety of Z-enynols afforded substituted furans and dihydrofurans with high regioselectivity under mild reaction conditions.

Protective effect of unsymmetrical dichalcogenide, a novel antioxidant agent, in vitro and an in vivo model of brain oxidative damage.

Unsymmetrical dichalcogenides, a class of organoselenium compounds, were screened for antioxidant activity in rat brain homogenates in vitro. Unsymmetrical dichalcogenides (1-3) were tested against lipid peroxidation induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or malonate, and reactive species (RS) production induced by sodium azide in rat brain homogenates. Compounds 1 (without a substituent at the phenyl group), 2 (chloro substituent at the phenyl group bounded to the sulfur atom) and 3 (chloro substituent at the phenyl group bounded to the selenium atom) protected against lipid peroxidation induced by SNP.

Involvement of oxidative stress in seizures induced by diphenyl diselenide in rat pups.

In the present study the potential neurotoxicity of diphenyl diselenide, as measured by the manifestation of seizures in rat pups (postnatal days, PND, 12-14) was evaluated. The results suggest that the latency for the appearance of tonic-clonic seizures, characterized by rearing and falling of rat pups body, was dependent of the dose tested. Diphenyl diselenide at high doses induced seizure episodes in rat pups.