Synthesis and characterization of Selenium containing Schiff Bases: The Selenosemicarbazones

Many organoselenium compounds are well known for their application in various fields. However, some of the organoselenium compounds like selenosemicarbazones because of synthesis difficulties are not much explored. Herein we present synthesis and characterization of five different new selenosemicarbazones. Synthesis and characterization of novel selenosemicarbazones, a type of the Schiff bases. Selenosemicarbazones are synthesized by single step, acid catalyzed condensation reaction between ketones and hydrazine hydrate in presence of potassium selenocyanate (KSeCN). Butyrophenone, 4-phenyl 2-butanone, 2-acetonaphthone, 4-nitroacetophenone and menthone were reacted with in-situ generated selenosemicarbazide which led to the formation of respective selenosemicarbazones. These organoselenium derivatives of Schiff bases are characterized by mass spectrometry, proton, carbon and selenium NMR. Butyrophenone, 4-phenyl 2-butanone, 2-acetonaphthone, 4-nitroacetophenone and menthone selenosemicarbazones are synthesized with yield varied in between 44 to 65%. The strategy involves, one pot synthesis of selenosemicarbazone without isolation of toxic selenosemicarbazide.