Article
Article
Organoselenium compound
Article By:
Back, Thomas G. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.475850
One of a group of compounds that contain both selenium (Se) and carbon (C) and frequently other elements as well, for example, halogen, oxygen (O), sulfur (S), or nitrogen (N). The first examples of organoselenium compounds were reported shortly after the discovery of elemental selenium by J. J. Berzelius in 1818. Their exceptionally unpleasant and persistent odors may have discouraged early investigators. However, less volatile derivatives containing aryl substituents or selenium in higher oxidation states are more easily handled.
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