“Green Is the Color”: An Update on Ecofriendly Aspects of Organoselenium Chemistry

Abstract

Organoselenium compounds have been successfully applied in biological, medicinal and material sciences, as well as a powerful tool for modern organic synthesis, attracting the attention of the scientific community. This great success is mainly due to the breaking of paradigm demonstrated by innumerous works, that the selenium compounds were toxic and would have a potential impact on the environment. In this update review, we highlight the relevance of these compounds in several fields of research as well as the possibility to synthesize them through more environmentally sustainable methodologies, involving catalytic processes, flow chemistry, electrosynthesis, as well as by the use of alternative energy sources, including mechanochemical, photochemistry, sonochemical and microwave irradiation.

1. Introduction

Since the second half of the last century, organoselenium compounds have emerged as a useful building block in organic synthesis, being employed in the form of radicals, electrophiles and nucleophiles for the construction of a wide range of chemical bonds, which confirms their importance in the modern synthetic chemistry [1].

Furthermore, driven by the discoveries about the role of selenoproteins as an important class of mammalian antioxidant enzymes, the biological activities of small molecules organoselenium derivatives have been extensively investigated, evidencing the biological potential of this class of compounds [2,3,4].

Some recent impressive examples can be summarized by 4-selenylquinoline 1 [5]; a powerful anti-inflammatory compound when compared to the worldwide marketized Meloxicam^®, and 3-selenylindole 2 [6,7], which has been demonstrating promising results against mood and neurodegenerative diseases; worthy of be mention are the DiSelenobisBenzAmides (DiSeBAs, 3) endowed with potent and broad anti-HIV activity [8] due to their ability to inhibit NCp7 [9,10] and Se-Quercetines (4 is the prototypical compound (Figure 1), capable of blocking the replication of SARS-CoV-2 [11]. For this reason, different synthetic approaches to accessing organoselenium compounds are continuously advancing, with ingenious methodologies being constantly reported in the literature.

Figure 1.

Bioactive organoselenium compounds.

The application of Green Chemistry concepts in synthetic chemistry has redesigned the paradigms, opening up new horizons and setting trends for the development of new approaches to the construction of important chemical bonds [12,13]. In this context, the application of principle #6 (Design for Energy Efficiency) has been proving to be important to circumvent the use of classical heating sources (thermal heating) by employing energy sources with low energy demand, including electromagnetic wave sources (microwaves and visible light), acoustic waves (sonochemistry), electrolytic cells (electrosynthesis) and mechanical energy (mechanochemistry). Among the main advantages, reactions control and selectivity are remarkably increased in comparison to classical thermal approaches, once the required reaction conditions are generally smooth [13,14].

Selenium chemistry, with particular emphasis on catalysis, was proposed for the first time as a powerful and potentially green alternative in 2009 [15], and five years later the advances in the field were collected in a widely cited review article [16]. Thus, in this review, we intend to cover the recent relevant advances in the synthesis of organoselenium compounds using alternative energy sources. Selected examples were chosen, aiming to illustrate some currently attractive trends for readers, with a separate discussion of some specific synthetic improvements obtained from the use of microwave-assisted, sonochemical, electrochemical, mechanochemical and visible light reaction conditions. Furthermore, important achievements for the synthesis of organoselenium compounds under continuous flow conditions are also reported.

2. Application of Non-Conventional Energy Sources in Organoselenium Chemistry

2.1. Microwave-Assisted Reactions

Microwave irradiation in organic synthesis is an important tool that has been used with the purpose of preparing several classes of compounds [17,18,19,20]. Microwave-accelerated reactions generally occur faster when compared to those with conventional heating, which guarantees high energy efficiency for these methods. This is because microwave irradiation comes into direct contact with the reactant molecules, without the need for prior external heating. This causes the activation energy to be reached faster and consequently the desired products are obtained more quickly. The speed at which these reactions occur also promotes a reduction in the formation of undesirable side-products, which facilitates the purification steps [21].

Regarding the synthesis of organochalcogen compounds, microwave irradiation has already been successfully applied to the functionalization of many organic substrates [22,23]. In this context, Wen and coworkers used MW to accelerate the preparation of 3-selenyl-indoles 2 [24]. The desired products were achieved in only 30 min through the reaction of indoles 5 with 1,2-bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)diselenide 6a in the presence of FeCl₃ and iodine as catalyst in up to 80% yield. (Scheme 1). The prepared selenylindoles 2 and the corresponding selenoxide derivatives 7 have shown to be promising molecules with respect to their antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines.

Scheme 1.

MW-promoted synthesis of 3-selenylindoles (2).

Braga and co-workers described the direct selenylation of the indoles 5 using diorganoyl diselenides 6 mediated by catalytic iodine and three molar equivalents of DMSO in a solvent- and metal-free reaction medium. The protocol allowed the preparation of a series of 3-selenylindoles 2 in only 5 min under microwave irradiation in up to 95% yield (Scheme 2). The scope of this method was extended to the preparation of 3-arylsulfenylindoles [25].

Scheme 2.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of 3-selenylindoles 2.

Later on, the same group extended the developed protocol for the direct selenylation of activated N- and O-containing arenes 8 and 9 (Scheme 3). The unsymmetrical selenides 10 and 11 were obtained in high yields, using 20 mol% of iodine and three equivalents of DMSO after 10 min under MW irradiation. This method was also extended to the functionalization of O-containing arenes [26].

Scheme 3.

Microwave-assisted selenylation of N- and O-containing arenes 8 and 9.

Microwave was also employed in the copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between aryl boronic acids 12 and diorganoyl dichalcogenides 13, 6 and 14. In the presence of 3 mol% of CuI and three equivalents of DMSO, a series of unsymmetrical sulfides 15, selenides 16 and tellurides 17 were obtained in only 15 min and in yields that ranged from 68% to 90% (Scheme 4) [27].

Scheme 4.

MW-driven synthesis of unsymmetrical chalcogenides 15, 16 and 17.

In 2020, Galetto and co-workers reported the microwave-driven regioselective ring opening of 2-oxazolines 18 in the presence of diorganoyl diselenides 6, one equivalent of indium and one equivalent of iodine. This protocol allowed the preparation of a series of structural diverse β-selenamides 20 in 20 min with up to 83% yield (Scheme 5) [28]. The methodology was also extended to the preparation of β-sulfuramides 19, employing diorganyl disulfides 13 as substrate.

Scheme 5.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of β-chalcogenamides 19 and 20.

The microwave-assisted dimerization of 1,2,3-selenadiazoles 21 was reported by Khanna and co-workers. With this method, four bis(cycloalkeno)-1,4-diselenins 22 were obtained in times that ranged from 10 to 15 min (Scheme 6). The authors also reported the application of the 1,4-diselenins in nanotechnology as source of selenium for the synthesis of Cd selenium quantum dots (QDs) [29].

Scheme 6.

MW-assisted synthesis of 22.

2.2. Sonochemistry

During the last decades, ultrasound irradiation has become an interesting alternative to fossil-based energy sources in the context of synthetic organic chemistry [30], promoting several types of reactions efficiently. Due to the highly efficient energy transfer, based on the acoustic cavitation effect, the low requirement of energy allows the realization of several transformations in short reaction times [31].

In recent years, the application of ultrasound irradiation to construct organoselenium compounds has been opening up new frontiers, affording more efficient processes and allying short reaction times and high yields [32]. In this context, some recent remarkable examples can exemplify specific trends. In 2015, Lenardão and co-workers reported an ultrasound-mediated Cu(I)-catalyzed electrophilic selenylation of indoles 5, by using diorganyl diselenides 6, accessing 3-selenylindoles 2 in poor to excellent yields [33]. In order to compare the efficiency of ultrasound irradiation (US) with different energy sources, the authors carried out a study of the reaction scope by employing ultrasound and microwave irradiation (MW), as well as conventional heating (oil bath) (Scheme 7).

Scheme 7.

Preparation of 3-selenylindoles 2 via US, MW or conventional heating.

In general, the results demonstrated that ultrasound irradiation and conventional heating were efficient in converting the starting materials to the respective products 2, while microwave irradiation was not appropriate to promote the transformation. Among them (US and oil bath), in general, ultrasound irradiation was more efficient, giving the desired products 2 in a shorter reaction time. Additionally, excellent substituent toleration was observed, and several electron-rich and -deficient substrates were smoothly employed as reaction partners (Scheme 7).

Two years later, Lenardão and co-workers reported an updating study, affording a more efficient ultrasound-mediated Cu(I)-catalyzed protocol to access 3-selenylindoles 2 by employing SeO₂ (40 mol%) as additive [34]. The addition of SeO₂ as a co-oxidant species led to a remarkable improvement, greatly reducing the reaction times from hours to a few minutes and enhancing the product yields. In addition, authors expanded the reaction scope, employing the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines 23 as substrate and accessing the 3-(organylselanyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines 24 in moderate to good yields (Scheme 8).

Scheme 8.

SeO₂-activated synthesis of selenium containing heteroaromatics 2 and 24.

More recently, the authors have expanded the method for the synthesis of 1,3-bis(phenylselenyl)indolizines 26 through an ultrasound-promoted Cu(I)-catalyzed reaction between 2-phenylindolizine derivatives 25 and diphenyl diselenide 6b [35]. The reactions were conducted smoothly for 1.5 h in the presence of CuCl (15 mol%) to afford the desired products 26 in moderate to very good yields (Scheme 9).

Scheme 9.

US-promoted synthesis of bis-selenylindolizines 26.

Alves, Perin and co-workers also explored the synergism between Cu(I) species and ultrasound irradiation in the catalytic selenylation of heteroaromatic systems, reporting, in 2019, a simple and efficient multicomponent protocol for the selective synthesis of N-substituted mono- and bis-selenylpyrroles 29 and 30, by reacting primary amines 27, 2,5-hexanediones 28 and diorganyl diselenides 6 [36]. Under the optimized reaction conditions the desired products were obtained in poor to excellent yields. In general, the products 29 and 30 were obtained in a very similar yield range, although the formation of the product 30 required long reaction times (Scheme 10).

Scheme 10.

Synthesis of selenylpirroles 27 and 28.

In 2015, Choudhury and co-workers developed an ultrasound-promoted synthesis of highly functionalized selenylpyridines 34 in the presence of PEG-400 as solvent through the multicomponent reaction of aldehydes 31, malononitrile 32 and benzeneselenol 33, with the simultaneous formation of four new bonds (two C–C, one C–N and one C–Se), presenting an excellent electronic group tolerance [37] (Scheme 11).

Scheme 11.

US-activated synthesis of selenylpyridines 34.

The proposed reaction mechanism starts with a Knoevenagel condensation step in the presence of PEG-400 to form the yilidine intermediate I. Then, the intermediate I undergoes a simultaneous nucleophilic attack by the benzeneselenol 33 and by the malononitrile 32, triggering an intramolecular cyclization to provide the intermediate II, which tautomerizes to afford the 1,4-dihydroselenopyridine III. Finally, after an oxidation process, under open air condition, the aromatic product 34 is formed (Scheme 12).

Scheme 12.

Reaction mechanism for the formation of product 34.

In 2018, Perin and co-workers described the ultrasound-mediated cyclization of alkynols 35, promoted by the system (R¹Se)₂ 6/Oxone^®, to access 2-organoselenyl-naphthalenes 36 [38]. The method was suitable for electron-rich and electron-deficient alkynols, giving nine different 2-organoselanyl-naphthalenes 36 in moderate to excellent yields (Scheme 13).

Scheme 13.

Ultrasound-mediated cyclization of alkynols 35.

The proposed mechanism initially involves the Se-Se bond oxidation by Oxone^®, affording the reactive intermediates I and II. Then, the Se-based electrophilic species I reacts with the C≡C bond of the alkynol 35, to produce the seleniranium intermediate III, which undergoes an intramolecular 6-endo-dig cyclization to give the intermediate IV. Finally, a deprotonation to regenerate the aromaticity of the system affords the dihydronaphthalene V, which is converted to the desired product 36 through a dehydration process (Scheme 14).

Scheme 14.

Mechanism of the US-mediated cyclization of alkynols 33.

In 2020, Perin and co-workers also reported an ultrasound-assisted selenocyclization of β,γ-unsaturated oximes 37, promoted by the system (R¹Se)₂ 6/Oxone^®, to access dihydroisoxazolines 38 [39]. The protocol has demonstrated to be very efficient, affording the desired products in moderate to excellent yields in just a few minutes under ultrasound irradiation (Scheme 15).

Scheme 15.

Selenocyclization of β,γ-unsaturated oximes 37.

After some control experiments, two possible mechanisms for the transformation were proposed, following a radical and an anionic pathway (Scheme 16). Regarding the radical pathway, initially the reactive peroxide species present in Oxone^® (HOOSO₃K) undergoes an ultrasound-promoted homolytic cleavage, leading to the formation of a hydroxyl radical (HO^•), which triggers a radical intramolecular cyclization of the oxime 37, affording the cyclized alkyl radical II. Then, the species II reacts with the Se-Se bond, resulting in the desired selenyldihydroisoxazole 38, and releases one equivalent of the Se-centered radical, which is eventually oxidized to diphenyl diselenide 6b (Scheme 16, radical pathway). On the other hand, regarding the anionic process, from the reaction between Oxone^® and diphenyl diselenide 6b, the intermediates III and IV are initially generated, among which the species IV is easily converted, in acidic medium, to the more electrophilic species IV’. In the sequence, the oxime 37 reacts with the electrophilic species III and IV’, to result in the seleniranium intermediate V. Finally, a dehydrogenative intramolecular annulation drives the reaction to the desired product 38 (Scheme 16).

Scheme 16.

Mechanism of selenocyclization of β,γ-unsaturated oximes 37.

Employing the system (R¹Se)₂ 6/Oxone^®, Perin and co-workers have reported, in 2021, an electrophilic cyclization of alkynylbenzaldoximes 37 under ultrasound irradiation to construct 3-organyl-4-(organylselanyl)isoquinoline-2-oxides 38 [40]. The reactions were conducted in the presence of ethanol, and a wide range of substrates (electron-rich and electron-deficient) were satisfactorily employed, affording the desired products 38 in good to excellent yields, in just few minutes. It is worthy of mention that the standard reaction condition was highly scalable, up to ten times, providing the product 38 derivative in 85% yield (Scheme 17).

Scheme 17.

Electrophilic cyclization of alkynylbenzaldoximes 39.

2.3. Electrochemically Promoted Reactions

Electrochemical organic synthesis has emerged as a powerful tool for obtaining several compounds, being an environmentally friendly synthetic strategy compared to the traditional methods [41,42,43], besides being industrially employed [44]. From the appropriate choice of electrodes and electrolytes, the electrosynthesis allows for control of selectivity without the use of external oxidants, catalysts and/or expensive and toxic ligands. By controlling some parameters, such as potential and current, it is possible to control the reaction rate; many reactions occur at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. In these reactions, the electric current promotes redox transformations via anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction without the presence of external agents, generating radical, cationic or anionic intermediates that can promote substitution, addition, elimination and even cyclization reactions.

The great advantages of electrosynthesis have also reached the chemistry of organochalcogens. In view of this, many research groups in recent years have been dedicated themselves to the chalcogenofunctionalization of organic molecules, mainly of biological interest, using this alternative approach [45].

In 2019, Mendes and co-workers [46] described the electrochemical oxidative C(sp²)–H selenylation of O- and N-containing arenes 8 and 9 (Scheme 18). Through a regioselective methodology that employed Pt electrodes, KI as an electrolyte and using a half molar equivalent of diselenides 6, it was possible to obtain a series of unsymmetrical selenides 10 and 11 in good to excellent yields. It is important to highlight that the developed protocol was carried out in an open atmosphere, at room temperature, with atomic economy and safe scalability.

Scheme 18.

Selenylation of arenes 10 and 11.

In the same year, Cao et al. [47] promoted the electrosynthesis of selenylated indolizines 26 through a multicomponent process, from 2-methylpyridines 41, α-bromoketones 42 and diselenides 6 (Scheme 19). The preparation of the target molecules 26 was accomplished via a mixture of DMF:H₂O (6:5) as solvent, K₂CO₃ as base, KI as electrolyte and an electric current of 10 mA, without the need for external oxidants and transition-metal catalysts. The developed green synthetic method provided 40 examples, with yields ranging from 54% to 88%.

Scheme 19.

Multicomponent reaction via electrochemistry.

The electrochemical selenylation/cyclization of naphthoquinones was described by Da Silva Júnior and co-workers [48] as an efficient and reliable method for the achievement of molecules with great biological potential: 44 and 45 (Scheme 20). A wide range of selenium-containing multifunctional redox quinoidal compounds has been synthesized by using lapachol 43 or lawsone derivatives-in undivided electrochemical cells–diselenides 6 (1.0 equivalent), nBu₄NPF₆ (1.0 equivalent) as electrolyte and acetonitrile as solvent. Moreover, the selenium-containing naphthoquinones 44 and 45, were obtained in only one hour at room temperature, presenting biological activity against five cancer cell lines and Trypanosoma cruzi.

Scheme 20.

Electrochemical-mediated synthesis of selenium-containing naphthoquinones 44 and 45 with biological activity.

Another valuable approach to obtaining selenium-containing molecules with important pharmacological properties is the intramolecular electrochemical oxidative oxyseleno-cyclization of allylnaphthol and allylphenol 46 derivatives with diselenides 6 (Scheme 21) [49]. Under greener conditions, Braga and co-workers prepared selenyl-dihydrofurans 47 with 0.2 equivalent of nBu₄NClO₄ as an electrolyte and MeCN as solvent within 2 h at room temperature. The desired products were synthesized in good to excellent yields and showed great potential against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Scheme 21.

Preparation of selenyl-dihydrofurans 47 via intramolecular electrochemical oxidative oxyseleno-cyclization.

Uracil is a nitrogenous base present in our RNA and its selenylation as well as its derivatives 48 have been developed by Xu and co-workers [50] through the use of electrochemistry. The protocol established used diaryl diselenides 6, valuable precursors of selenium-centered reagents [51], as selenylating agents in the presence of NH₄I and DMF under air at 50 °C for 2 h, and allowed for the preparation of nineteen 5-selenouracils 49 (Scheme 22). In general, the yields were excellent, ranging from 72% to 95% in 3 mA of constant current, with C as anode and Pt as cathode [50].

Scheme 22.

Protocol developed for obtaining 5-selenouracils 49.

As it is possible to observe, the methodologies involving electrosynthesis are environmentally friendly alternatives for the construction of C-heteroatom bonds and have attracted considerable attention. Following this premise, in 2020, Cao et al. [52] described an regioselective selenylation/oxidation of N-alkylisoquinolinium salts 50 via the C(sp²)−H bond functionalization with diselenides 6 (Scheme 23). In the presence of MeCN:H₂O as solvent, KI as supporting electrolyte and Cs₂CO₃ as base, a series of selenylated isoquinolones 51 were easily accessed under undivided cell electrolytic conditions. In addition, the derivative 51a exhibited potent antiviral activity.

Scheme 23.

Regioselective selenylation/oxidation of N-alkylisoquinolinium salts 50 under electrolytic conditions.

Chen and co-workers [53] developed an interesting methodology for obtaining halogenated and selenylated spiro[4.5]trienones. The simple electrocatalytic reaction occurred without metal catalyst or oxidant, using the appropriate N-aryl alkynamides 52 and diphenyl diselenide 6b (Scheme 24). The target selenylated spiro[4.5]trienones 53 was achieved in good to excellent yields under acetonitrile, at room temperature and in an undivided cell for 1 h.

Scheme 24.

Electrosynthesis of selenylated spiro[4.5]trienones 53.

Recently, a methodology to prepare a series of isoxazoline derivatives 38 was described by Xu et al. [54] (Scheme 25). The intramolecular oxidative cyclization of β,γ-unsaturated oxime 37 with diselenides 6 has been carried out under mild reaction conditions in the absence of metals and oxidants, using CH₃CN/HFIP (9:1) as solvent and ⁿBu₄NBF₄ as electrolyte. With the developed protocol, it was possible to access a series of 35 compounds 38 in up to 98% yield. In addition to being tolerable to a wide range of substrates, the protocol showed good results in scalability.

Scheme 25.

Electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization for the synthesis of selenium-containing isoxazolines derivatives 38 with quaternary carbon center.

Later on, Mendes and co-workers [55] described the functionalization of resveratrol 54 through an efficient environmentally benign procedure (Scheme 26). The unprecedented mono- and bis-selenylated compounds 55 and 56 were achieved in the absence of transition metal, oxidant and base, under air, using NaI as electrolyte and different diselenides 6 as a selenium source. The regioselective electrochemical oxidation employed resulted in the corresponding isolated selenylated products in moderate to good yields.

Scheme 26.

Electrochemical oxidative C(sp²)-H bond selenylation of resveratrol 54.

Organoselenophosphorus derivatives have been gaining attention due to application in several areas [56]. Among the methodologies developed for the synthesis of this type of molecule, the electrocatalytic-mediated selenylation of phosphonates or phosphine oxides 57, by Cai et al. [57], is highlighted (Scheme 27). The ecofriendly protocol was conducted during 6 h under air and employed a platinum anode and a platinum cathode with constant current, nBu₄NBr and acetonitrile. The authors showed the synthesis of 21 organoselenophosphorus 58 with yields up to 96%.

Scheme 27.

Electrochemical obtention of organoselenophosphorus 58 from phosphonates and phosphine oxides.

2.4. Photochemistry

The use of photons of light as an energy source in the synthesis of organic compounds has been established as a promising strategy due to the large number of benefits from synthetic and environmental points of view [58,59,60,61,62,63]. Such methodologies are generally based on the ability of some photocatalysts, usually organic dyes, to absorb energy and initiate radical processes in organic molecules. The development of this type of protocol is of great importance, since radical reactions can be considered as an alternative to processes that do not occur or occur in an unsatisfactory way through ionic mechanisms and/or induction via conventional thermal heating.

Photo-induced reactions, as written above, offer several advantages over other methodologies, complying with various principles of Green Chemistry. In this context, light as a primary energy source is abundant, safe, easy to handle and is a high energy-efficiency provider. In addition, the photocatalysts, when necessary, can generate excited states in low reactive molecules, which permits their functionalization in a mild way through safer synthetic routes with a consequent reduction in the formation of undesirable side-products [64,65,66,67]. The apparatus used for light irradiation is generally easily assembled and uses low-cost materials such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (green, white or blue) or commercial CFL lamps, eliminating the need for any photochemical equipment [68,69].

All these advantages have meant that in the last seven years there has been a significant increase in the number of works reporting the use of photochemistry in the seleno-functionalization of several classes of organic substrates [70]. For example, the carbon-selenium bond formation in heteroarene-like indoles [71,72], imidazo[1,2a]pyridines [73,74], coumarines [75], benzothiazoles [76] and pyridines [77]; selenylation of naphthols [78], terminal alkenes [79,80] and alkynes [81,82] and sp³ carbons [83,84]; and selenocyclization reactions have been reported [85,86]. In these protocols, in general, the substrate, the selenylating reagent and the photocatalyst are stimulated by visible light irradiation via single electron transfer (SET) reactions. The generated radical species follow in the mechanistic process depending on the reaction medium involved.

Among the developed methodologies, the photo-induced selenylation of several arene and heteroarene nuclei were developed by Braga and co-workers using diorganoyl diselenides 6, the organic dye Rose Bengal as photocatalyst and blue LED as a light source (Scheme 28). This methodology proved to be efficient for the preparation of many biologically interesting selenium compounds, such as 3-selenylindoles 2, which could be obtained with great structural diversity, in 6 h of reaction time and yields of up to 99%. Furthermore, this method allowed for C-Se bond formation in other nuclei, such as indazole 59, imidazo[1,2-a]-pyridine 23, imidazo[1,2-b]thiazole 60 and 2-naftol 9a [78].

Scheme 28.

Rose Bengal-catalyzed synthesis of 3-selenylindoles 2.

In another approach, Yang and co-workers reported the photo-induced selenylation of 4-amino-substituted coumarines 63 using ammonium persulfate as a safe oxidant in the absence of photo-catalysts. The developed protocol used diaryl diselenides 6 as selenylating agents and allowed for the preparation of several mono- and bis-selenocoumarins 64 and 65 after 24 h of reaction at room temperature (Scheme 29). The yields were generally good, ranging from 37% to 91% [75].

Scheme 29.

Selenylation of coumarins 63 promoted by blue LEDs.

The introduction of a fluoroalkylselenyl motif into an organic molecule has been gaining prominence due to the various applications attributed to this class of compounds [87]. Among the methods already described, the fluoroalkylselenylation of arenes induced by white LED was developed by Tlili and co-workers in the reaction between arene diazonium salts 66 and trifluoromethyl tolueneselenosulfonate derivatives 67 (Scheme 30) [88]. The authors employed Eosin Y as photocatalyst, and the corresponding substitution products 68 were obtained in good yields at room temperature after 16 h.

Scheme 30.

Perfluorometilselenylation of arenes 66 induced by white LED.

Schneider and co-workers [89] reported a photo-induced process for the seleno-functionalization of terminal alkynes 69 (Scheme 31). By using diaryl diselenides 6, the corresponding 1,2-bis-organoylselenyl alkenes 70 were obtained at room temperature in up to 12 h of reaction, in the absence of a photocatalyst. Moreover, the alkenes were prepared in good to excellent yields and regioselectivity, with preference for the formation of the E regioisomer.

Scheme 31.

Photo-induced synthesis of 1,2-bis-organoylselenyl alkenes 69.

Later on, the sunlight-driven direct selenylation of indoles 5 with diaryl diselenides 6 was reported by Kumar and co-workers [90]. The preparation of 3-selenylindoles 2 occurred in the presence of O₂ as a benign oxidant, with acetone as solvent, at room temperature without photocatalysts or any other reagents, in up to 85% yield (Scheme 32). The use of sunlight is highly desirable as it is an abundant source of energy and allowed the preparation of sulfenyl- and tellurenylindoles in good yields, in times that ranged from 5 to 6 h.

Scheme 32.

Sunlight-driven selenylation of indoles 5.

Visible light has also been successfully used to promote seleno-cyclization reactions via cascade processes (Scheme 33). In this context, Xu and co-workers promoted the spirocyclization of indolyl-ynones 71 with diaryl diselenides 6 in order to obtain 3-selenospiroindolenines 72, which are attractive molecules from a biological point of view. The desired products were synthesized in up to 90% yield by using white LEDs, sodium acetate and THF as solvent, at room temperature. This method also presented good tolerance of the presence of different functional groups attached to the substrates, and the use of photocatalyst was not required [86].

Scheme 33.

Synthesis of 3-selenospiroindolenines 72 promoted by white LEDs.

Recently, the five-exo-trig cyclization of N-allylbromodifluoroacetamide 73 with diphenyl diselenide 6b was performed through a photochemical process (Scheme 34). The corresponding products, 3,3-difluoro-β-lactams 4-seleno-substituted 74, were obtained in moderate to good yields, mediated by blue LEDs and KHPO₄. The developed protocol occurred at room temperature in 10 h without photocatalyst [91].

Scheme 34.

Blue LED-mediated cyclization of 73.

Later, Xia and co-workers reported the use of blue LEDs in the selenoamination of alkenes catalyzed by FeBr₃. The developed methodology provided the synthesis of a series of β-aminoselenides 77 through a three-component reaction between alkenes 75, amines 27 and 76 and diorganoyl diselenides 6 (Scheme 35). The desired products 77 were achieved in up to 99% yield at room temperature after 24 h, and the method proved to be efficient, with a large structural variation in the substrates [80].

Scheme 35.

Visible light-induced iron catalyzed three-component reaction.

The blue LED irradiation was also recently employed in the coupling reaction of aryl diazosulfones 78 and diorganyl diselenides 6 under a photocatalyst-free condition (Scheme 36). In the presence of DMSO as solvent, unsymmetrical diorganyl selenides 16 were obtained in yields ranging from 43% to 89% after 16 h [92].

Scheme 36.

Photochemical synthesis of diorganyl selenides 16.

In 2021, an environmental process for the selenylation of alkenes 75 with diorganyl diselenides 6 was described by Liu and co-workers for the synthesis of α-alkyl selenomethyl ketones 79 (Scheme 37) [93]. The visible light-promoted protocol allowed for the efficient synthesis of the target molecules in 20 h using ethyl acetate as solvent, under air, at room temperature, avoiding the use of bases, oxidants or photocatalysts. Furthermore, the authors applied the same method to the introduction of the selenium moiety into biologically important molecules, such as L-menthol, galactose, the hormone estrone and the anti-inflammatory naproxen. The corresponding selenylated products 79a–d were obtained in 77–90% yields.

Scheme 37.

Visible light-driven selenylation of alkenes 75 and its application to biologically relevant molecules 79a–d.

In the same year, the photo-induced 1,3-addition of selenosulfonates 81 to vinyldiazo compounds 80 was reported by Zhou and Li (Scheme 38) [94]. The corresponding addition products 82 were prepared in the presence of ethyl acetate at room temperature with blue LED irradiation as a light source. The features of the protocol were the absence of photocatalysts, bases and oxidants, reactions carried out in open flask and high tolerance of functional groups. Furthermore, this methodology was applied in the functionalization of biomolecules such as cholesterol and D-glucose derivatives.

Scheme 38.

Blue LED-driven 1,3-selenosulfonates 82.

2.5. Mechanochemistry

Mechanochemical processes deal with an important premise of Green Chemistry, which is the promotion of reactions, whenever possible, under solvent-free conditions and short reaction times. The main advantages are the remarkable reduction in cost and energy demands involved in solvent production and purification. In addition, solvent waste generation is minimized, protecting the environment and reducing costs in recycling processes [95,96]. In this context, during the last decade, advances were achieved in the synthesis of organoselenium compounds under solvent-free, mechano-assisted conditions, opening up new horizons for the synthetic technologies of these compounds.

In 2013, Ranu and co-workers disclosed the first synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl selenides 16 under ball-milling conditions [97]. This approach involves the reaction between several aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates 66 and diphenyl diselenide 6b in the presence of Al₂O₃ and KOH in a reactor bearing six balls operating at 600 rpm, in the absence of TM-catalysts and solvent. Satisfactorily, eight unsymmetrical selenides 16 were obtained in good yields after a few minutes under milling, presenting an excellent tolerance of electron-rich and electron-deficient aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates 66 (Scheme 39). It is worthy of mention that the protocol was also employed with diphenyl disulfides and ditellurides.

Scheme 39.

Synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl selenides 16.

Later, in 2016, Ranu and co-workers also reported a very similar method to prepare unsymmetrical diaryl selenides 6, this time employing selenols 33 as the selenium source [98]. The reactions were conducted in the presence of Al₂O₃ and K₂CO₃ instead of KOH, also in a reactor bearing six balls, operating at 600 rpm. Satisfactorily, shorter reaction times were needed to afford the products 16 in good to excellent yields. The processes were conducted very well, presenting an excellent tolerance to different electron-rich and electron-deficient substrates, including strong electron-withdrawing groups (CF₃ and CN). It is worthy of mention that thiols were also employed as substrates to afford the respective unsymmetrical diaryl sulfides (Scheme 39).

Very recently, in 2020, Ranu and co-workers reported a mechanochemically mediated protocol for the selenylation of 2-naphthols 9, employing diaryl diselenides 6 as the selenylating agent in the absence of TM-catalyst, oxidants and solvent [99]. The protocol was conducted in a five-ball reactor, operating at 600 rpm for 1 h, in the presence of basic Al₂O₃ (washed with a 15% KOH solution and dried). Under the optimized reaction condition, twenty 1-selenyl-2-naphthols 11 were prepared in good to excellent yields, presenting an excellent tolerance to several electron-rich and electron-deficient 2-naphthols and diaryl diselenides (Scheme 40).

Scheme 40.

Selenylation of 2-naphtols 9.

Additionally, the protocol applicability was evaluated, and styryl selenocyanates, phenylselenyl chloride/bromide and cyanide were also employed as substrates. Satisfactorily, the products 11b–e were obtained in very good to excellent yields after 1 h under milling condition (Scheme 40).

More recently, Xiao, Ren and co-workers reported a grinding-mediated electrophilic cyclization of 2-substituted enaminones 83 in the presence of N-selenocyanophthalimide 84 as a selenocyanating reagent to afford 3-selenocianato-substituted chromones 85 [100]. The reactions were conducted in an agate mortar in the absence of solvent, and after grinding for just 20 min at room temperature, the desired products 85 were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, presenting a good substrate tolerance. It is worthy of mention that the protocol was highly scalable to gram-scale, resulting in the neutral derivative 85 in 71% yield (Scheme 41).

Scheme 41.

Electrophilic cyclization of 2-substituted enaminones 83.

2.6. Flow Chemistry

Flow chemistry is an innovative technology in which chemical reactions are conducted in a continuously flowing stream and has received considerable attention from the chemical community in recent years. Both academia and industries, especially pharmaceutical ones, have shown this interest due to the great advantages presented by this technique, such as: broad versatility in applications and excellent reproducibility and safety, among others [101]. Reactions conducted under these conditions have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives for synthesizing products of interest faster and more safely than those reactions performed on benches. Moreover, through this technological platform, it is possible to carry out difficult or even impossible reactions to perform in batch mode [102].

Due to these characteristics, flow chemistry is inspiring the development of green [103,104,105] and modern methods [106,107,108,109,110,111,112,113,114,115], and many applications in biocatalysis, photochemistry and electrochemistry have been described so far [116,117,118]. However, involving chalcogens, especially selenium, in this chemistry is quite recent. The use of selenium compounds as catalysts, as well as their incorporation into other organic molecules, have already been developed through flow chemistry and are described below.

In 2017 [119], the first study using a selenium-mediated catalysis conducted under flow conditions (Scheme 42) was reported. Lactone rings and their precursors are often found in natural and bioactive compounds. As a result, their synthesis is an important area to be explored, and in this work the authors promoted the efficient and environmentally adequate synthesis of hydroxy lactones 88. This methodology is based on the oxidation of functionalized alkenoic acids 87 followed by their internal cyclization using PhSeO₂H 86 as the pre-catalyst to form in situ PhSeO₃H via reaction with an oxidant. The reactants were mixed at a flow rate of 0.1 mL.min⁻¹ at 25 °C, and the desired lactones were efficiently obtained after automated purification within 50 min. This method allowed for the obtention of 13 examples with high purity, excellent diastereomeric ratio and high yields, after the introduction of an online continuous system of purification.

Scheme 42.

General flow system for the synthesis of hydroxy lactones 88.

In the recent past, following the idea of applying selenium-containing catalyst in a continuous flow system, Santi et al. [120] promoted the synthesis of sulfoxides 91 and sulfones 92 through a bioinspired approach (Scheme 43). In this process, SeO₂ 90 was oxidized to perselenic acid; adeguately tuning the amount of H₂O₂ provided the products of interest in isolated yields ranging from 74% to >99%, by reacting with a wide range of sulfides 89. Scalability studies of the reaction, under flow conditions, were also promising, showing the efficacy, simplicity, selectivity and eco-sustainability of the proposed protocol.

Scheme 43.

Flow process to obtaining sulfoxides 91 and sulfones 92 from different sulfides 89.

From a green chemistry perspective, continuous flow technology has many advantages over traditional batch approaches. In this context, Sancineto and co-workers [121] performed the first synthesis of the key building block 2,2′-diselenobis(benzoic acid) derivatives 94, under flow conditions (Scheme 44). The formation of the target molecules took place in a reactor, heated to 70 °C for 90 s, through the mixture of a diazonium salt solution of anthranilic acid derivative 93 and a Na₂Se₂ solution. A diversity of diselenides was possible to be obtained, with good to excellent yields, demonstrating a great advance in the reduction of time and increase in the production of this class of compounds.

Scheme 44.

Continuous flow two-step synthesis of 2,2′-diselenobis(benzoic acid) derivatives 94.

Flow chemistry applied to multistep reactions could be a promising platform to apply in medicinal, agrochemical and material sciences [122,123,124]. In this way, Oksdath-Mansilla group invested its efforts in the development of a continuous flow protocol for the synthesis of valuable selenides 2 from the combination of a chemical reduction and a photochemical C(sp2)−H activation reaction (Scheme 45) [125]. The first step consisted of the reduction of several selenocyanates 96 with Rongalite^® 95 to produce the corresponding diselenides in a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) coil reactor. The yields of this step were between 41% and 95%, and it was possible to synthesize 12 different diselenides 6. Second, the selenylation of electron-rich arenes 5 occurred through photoactivation of the Se-Se bond with blue LEDs in a mesoscale photochemical flow reactor. Products 2 were obtained in up to 66% yield over 2 h.

Scheme 45.

Selenylation of electron-rich arenes 5 through flow-chemistry protocol.

In 2020, an interesting combination of electro- and flow chemistry to obtain organoselenium compounds was described by Wirth and Amri [126]. This study was performed in an undivided cell using a Vapourtec automated flow system with an integrated ion electrochemical microflow reactor (Scheme 46). A library with 54 products of the selenenylation of alkenes 97 was obtained in yields of 14% to 95% in a fully autonomous way. Diphenyl diselenide 6b was used in the reaction with different alkenes 75 in the presence of nucleophiles using a graphite electrode as the anode, a platinum electrode as the cathode and Bu₄NI as electrolyte.

Scheme 46.

Representation of automated flow electrochemical selenenylation of alkenes 75.

Later, the same group [127] applied a similar approach to synthesizing chalcogenophosphites 58 in a fast, inexpensive, metal-free, environmentally friendly and automated way (Scheme 47). There are many bioactive molecules with chalcogen-phosphorus bonds, and preparing them sustainably and efficiently is a challenge for synthetic organic chemists. The reaction occurred between diphenyl diselenide 6b and phosphite 57 in acetonitrile, with Et₄NCl as electrolyte at 25 °C in the same electrochemical flow reactor described in Scheme 47. With this continuous flow protocol, it was possible to prepare 18 selenophosphites 58 in good to excellent yields in short reaction times.

Scheme 47.

Representation of automated flow electrochemical synthesis of selenophosphites 58.

In 2021, Nolan and colleagues [128] reported the first synthesis of selenoureas using a continuous flow system. Unlike their sulfur isosteres, selenium-N-heterocyclic carbene compounds 99 were obtained using a heterogeneous Se/K₂CO₃ microreactor (Scheme 48). From different ligands 98, it was possible to synthesize three selenoureas, even on a large scale, in only 2 min. This was considered to be a great advance for obtaining these species, which are important in coordination chemistry.

Scheme 48.

Synthesis of selenoureas 99 using a continuous flow system.

3. Application of Selenium or Organoselenium Compounds as Catalysts in Oxidation Reactions

The use of organoselenium compounds as bioinspired catalyst for chemical transformations can be traced back to 1984, when Sies demonstrated that ebselen was able to mimic the activity of the key antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). This selenoenzyme removes harmful peroxides (H₂O₂ or organic peroxides) from the cell using them to convert glutathione (GSH) into the corresponding disulfide and leading to the formation of harmless molecules, such as water or alcohols [129,130,131]. After this milestone, several research groups focused their attention on the preparation of small molecules acting as GPx-mimics to be exploited for pharmacological or synthetic organic chemistry purposes [4,132,133]. In this latter research field, the possibility of using a selenium-based bioinspired catalyst to activate hydrogen peroxide, has permitted the development of oxidative protocols flexible enough to allow for transformations of a wide range of substrates, while addressing Green Chemistry principles (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Se-catalyzed bioinspired oxidative transformations.

Some of us have contributed to this specific research field with a couple of significant reports. In 2015, a phenylseleninic acid-catalyzed protocol for the conversion of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes into their corresponding carboxylic acids, in the presence of one equivalent of a 10% (w/w) solution of hydrogen peroxide at room temperature, was developed. Such a method permits the gram scale preparation of benzoic acid by recovering the catalytic system several times. In addition, by carrying out the reaction in the presence of alcohols, it was possible to convert aldehydes into esters in a single step [134].

Later on, the bioinspired oxidation method was applied to the cyclofunctionalization of olefines bearing an internal nucleophile. In particular, alkenoic acids, as well as alkenols, proved to be suitable substrates for the preparation of hydroxy lactones or cyclic ethers in excellent yields and trans diasteroselectivity. The reaction took place in water as solvent, in the presence of 5 mol% of the catalyst and 4 equivalents of H₂O₂. An enantioselective approach was also attempted by using a chiral diselenide as pre-catalyst, allowing for the obtention of the target compound with a moderate enantioselectivity [119,135].

Very recently, Tanini and co-workers reported the conversion of aromatic primary amines into nitro compounds by using 20 mol% of the pre-catalyst, diphenyl diselenide. Aliphatic amines were unreactive, but when benzylamines were used as substrates, benzenamides were obtained in moderate yields [136]. From a mechanistic point of view, the conversion of aldehydes into carboxylic acids and esters and the preparation of nitro compounds from amines have in common the actual catalyst, which is phenylseleninic acid. It yields the oxygen-transfer species, phenylperseleninic acid (compound 100, Figure 2), when it reacts with hydrogen peroxide [134,136]. In the case of the oxidation of carbon-carbon double bonds and the successive cyclofunctionalization reaction, the actual catalyst should be perselenonic acid (compound 101, Figure 2), as demonstrated by Back very recently [137].

A last example of an Se-catalyzed oxygen transfer reaction was reported by Jiang et al. in 2021. The use of elemental selenium (30 mol%) in a basic MeOH/DMSO mixture at 90 °C permitted the conversion of o-nitrotoluenes (102) into anthranilic acids (93) in good to excellent yields. This protocol is atom- and redox-economic, since no external oxidant is added to the reaction mixture (Scheme 49) [138].

Scheme 49.

Conversion of nitrotoluenes 102 into anthranilic acids 93.

4. Organoselenium Chemistry in Non-Conventional Solvents

One of the most important Green Chemistry principles is the one in which the use of safer solvents and auxiliaries is suggested. Water fully embodies the feature of green solvent since it is completely safe for the operator and, if recycled and reused, it can also be considered safe for the environment compared to organic solvents.

In recent years, several examples of organoselenium chemistry performed in water have been reported [139,140]. Here, just the most significant examples will be cited.

Selenoesters (106) are valuable organic frameworks having a wide range of applications, such as in the preparation of liquid crystals [141] or pharmacologically active compounds [142,143], besides their importance in synthetic organic chemistry as selenols protecting groups or acyl transfer reagents [144,145]. In 2017, some of us reported the synthesis of selenoesters starting from two isolable Se/Zn complexes in reactions with acyl chlorides (Scheme 50) [146]. Zinc phenylselenolates are the only class of bench-stable, nucleophilic selenium species that are easy to prepare and handle [147]. The reagents reported in Scheme 2 represent a more atom-economic version of PhSeZn-halides, that proved to be highly efficient selenylating agents under “on water” [148] and solvent-free conditions [149]. By using 104, higher yields of aromatic selenoesters were obtained, while 103 was suitable in the preparation of aliphatic ones. The complex 103 proved to be amenable to dispersion onto a solid support for the continuous synthesis and purification of selenoesters in an automated fashion [146]. Interestingly, by using 104 and carrying out the reaction in THF, selenoesters are not formed; instead, the solvent ring-opening is observed [150].

Scheme 50.

Preparation of selenoesters 106.

Vinyl selenides are valuable tools in organic chemistry [151,152,153] and examples of their synthesis in unconventional solvents have been reported recently. Lenardão and co-workers reported the preparation of these kinds of compounds through the hydrochalcogenation of alkynes in deep eutectic solvents (DES) as reaction media, and in particular, a 1:2 mixture of choline chloride (ChCl) and urea was used (Scheme 51) [154].

Scheme 51.

Preparation of vinyl selenides using DES.

With this method, the authors were able to flexibly obtain an array of densely functionalized vinylselenides (compounds 70 and 107) in yields ranging from fair to excellent, despite mixtures of E, Z, mono- and bis-selenylated compounds being obtained, mainly on the basis of whether the alkyne substrate was a terminal or internal one [154]. The same research group demonstrated that selectivity can be tuned toward the monoselenylated compounds, mostly as E-isomers, by running the reaction in a 50% wt solution of H₃PO₂ in THF, or toward the bis-substituted derivatives by removing the organic solvent [155] or using PEG-400 [156].

Vinyl selenides are close precursors of vinyl selenones 108, which are versatile building blocks, especially in C-C bond-forming reactions, due to their double electrophilic nature [157]. In 2018, Marini et al. developed an Oxone-based oxidation method to perform the synthesis of these scaffolds in water [158]. The versatility of vinyl selenones 108 has been demonstrated through their use as reagents for the synthesis of spirocompounds. For instance, spirocyclopropyl oxindoles (109) endowed with anti-HIV activity were prepared by treating vinyl selenones with variously decorated oxyndoles in aqueous basic conditions [159]. Similarly, the replacement of oxyndoles with 3-hydroxyoxindoles cleanly led to spirooxindole oxetanes (110) through a domino reaction (Scheme 52) [160].

Scheme 52.

Preparation of vinyl selenones and their use as double electrophilic species.

5. Conclusions

Since its emergence in the 1990s, Green Chemistry has acquired a leading role in decision making in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, among other sectors of the chemical industry. As demonstrated in this updating review, a number of new strategies to prepare organoselenium compounds or the use of organoselenium derivatives in organic synthesis, both in catalysis and as building blocks, have appeared in the literature in the last eight years The ecofriendly methods for heterocycle preparation is just mentioned here because they have been fully covered in a recent review article [161]. The use of alternative energy sources, including mechanochemical, sonochemical and microwave has continually evolved in parallel with the availability of new, more accessible equipment. Flow chemistry, photochemistry and electrochemistry, in turn, appear as alternative allies to Green Chemistry that seem to have their place reserved in the chemistry of organoselenium compounds, as discussed in this review. The use of alternative solvents or even the solvent-free or solvent-minimized protocols also have a crucial role in achieving a more sustainable chemistry. In this review, it can be observed that several research groups around the world are working to make organoselenium chemistry green. Despite the path already covered and the frontiers pioneered in this field, there is still a long way to go before the practice of a more sustainable chemistry becomes routine in organic synthesis laboratories. Here, some important recent advances were presented, aiming to stimulate interest in the exploration of the “green side of the Moon”.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, C.S. and A.L.B.; methodology, C.S., V.N. and E.J.L.; writing—original draft preparation, J.B.A., L.S. and F.P.; writing—review and editing, F.P., C.S., V.N. and E.J.L.; supervision, C.S. and V.N. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The realization of this manuscript was supported in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001; FAPERGS, grant number 19/2551-0001867-3; FAPERJ, grant number E-26/202.911/2019; CNPq and FINEP.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.