Organic selenocyanates

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RSeCN.svg

Organic selenocyanates are organoselenium compounds with the general formula RSeCN. They are generally colorless, air-stable solids or liquids with repulsive odors. In terms of structure, synthesis, and reactivity, selenocyanates and thiocyanates behave similarly.

Contents

Preparation

Alkyl selenocyanates are generally prepared by treatment of potassium selenocyanate with alkyl halides in alcohol or acetone solution. Aryl selenocyanates are generally prepared by treatment of potassium selenocyanate with aryl diazonium salts. [1]

Reactions

Organic selenocyanates can be reduced to the selenol, which readily oxidize to the diselenide:

RSeCN + 2 e- → RSe- + CN-
RSe- + H+ → RSeH
2 RSeH + 0.5 O2 → RSeSeR + H2O

Oxidation of selenocyanates gives the seleninic acids. [1]

Related Research Articles

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2
X
where R can be any organic group, such as an alkyl or an aryl, and X is an inorganic or organic anion, such as a halogen.

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6
H
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References

  1. 1 2 E. Bulka (1977). "Selenocyanates and Related Compounds". In Saul Patai (ed.). Cyanates and Their Thio Derivatives: Part 2, Volume 2. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. p. 619-818. doi:10.1002/9780470771532.ch3.