Synthesis of ω-hydroxy-α-alkyl/aryl-γ-organo-selenium and γ-organo-tellurium: a new class of organochalcogen compounds with antinociceptive activity

We present here the results on the synthesis of alkynylselenoalcohols and alkynyltelluroalcohols using the reaction of lithium-alkynylchalcogenolates, generated via the reaction of alkynyllithium with elemental Se or Te, with bromo-alcohols. The reaction proceeded cleanly under mild reaction conditions, and alkynylchalcogenoalcohols were formed in good to excellent yields. The obtained compounds 2o and 2v were screened for antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid-induced writhing reaction in mice. Compound 2o administered by oral route at 5-50 mg/kg produced a significant inhibition of the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in mice.