Regioselective synthesis of functional tellanes from tellurium tetrahalides and 1-octene

Abstract

Proceeding from TeCl₄ and 1-octene a regioselective method was developed of the synthesis of trichloro(2-chlorooctyl)tellane. At adding methanol to this compound chlorine was easily replaced at room temperature by a methoxy group affording trichloro(2-methoxyoctyl)tellane. The reaction of TeBr₄ with 1-octene in methanol resulted in tribromo(2-methoxyoctyl)tellane. A reduction of trichloro- and tribromo(2-methoxyoctyl)tellanes occurs the most selectively in the system NaBH4–water–THF giving 1,2-bis(2-methoxyoctyl)ditellane. The reactions are characterized by a high selectivity and quantitative yields of the products.