New approach towards the synthesis of selenosemicarbazones, useful compounds for Chagas' disease

• We described a useful methodology for selenosemicarbazone preparation.
• The reaction involves an O–Se exchange of semicarbazones, using LiAlHSeH reagent.
• Compound 1b reduced the 50% of parasitaemia in vivo at 10 mg/kg bw/day, but toxic.
• These studies are important to guide future Chagas drug design.

Herein, we describe a new approach towards the synthesis of selenosemicarbazones. The reaction involves an O–Se exchange of semicarbazones using Ishihara reagent. Eleven selenosemicarbazones were prepared using this methodology, with low to moderate yields. Among the prepared compounds the m-bromo phenyl methyl derivative 1b was selected to be evaluated in vivo, in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. Compound 1b 10 mg/kg bw/day reduced 50% of parasitaemia profile compared with the control group, but was less effective than Benznidazole (50 mg/kg bw/day reduced 90%) and toxic. These studies are important to guide future Chagas drug design.

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