Synthesis of 2-methyl-4-selenoquinazolone, 2-phenylbenzoselenazole, and its derivatives / Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Pure Science of Columbia University

by Yü-Gwan Chen

Thiophene and its derivatives are of considerable therapeutic interest. Thiophene itself is found to be useful in lessening the elimination of sulphuric acid in urine, and is employed in the dermatological practice. Sodium thiophene sulphonate, thiophenetetra-bromide, thiophene diiodide, are all medicinals[(23)].

A number of selenophenes are recorded in the literature. Their relation to the selenazoles may be easily seen from the following formulas:

Selenophene

Selenazole

Dimethyl selenophene was prepared from acetonyl acetone and phosphorous pentaselenide,

The compound thus obtained is stated to have the same odor as thiophene, but no mention is made in regard to its uses[(28)]. Selenophene was prepared from sodium succinate and phosphorous triselenide, or by conducting ethylselenide through hot tubes[(29)].

Some selenazoles find application also in medicine. At present only the isoazoles are known to have physiological uses. One of them was prepared from anthraquinone selenocyanide, by the action of ammonia under pressure[(30)].