Synthesis of Diaryl Tellurides with Sodium Aryltellurites under Mild Conditions.

Abstract

A highly efficient new protocol has been developed for the formation of C-Te bonds, leading to both symmetrical and unsymmetrical diaryl tellurides. This protocol utilizes sodium aryltellurites (4), which can be easily prepared from low-cost aryltelluride trichlorides and NaOH. The synthesis involves the use of 4 and arylazo sulfones as starting materials in the presence of (MeO)2P(O)H. A variety of diaryl tellurides are obtained in moderate to good yields using this method. Importantly, this innovative protocol eliminates the need for traditional, highly toxic aryltellurolating reagents such as diaryl ditellurides and elemental tellurium. This study will bring new vitality to the synthesis of tellurides.