In recent years, an increasingly broad array of applications has been found
for new eco-friendly protocols related to the synthesis of organoselenium compounds.
One of the most important challenges in this field is the development of new procedures
that involve the use of alternative and/or recyclable solvents or solvent-free conditions.
In this context, ionic liquids, water, glycerol, ethanol and polyethylene glycol have been
used as ‘green’ solvents. The advantages of using these solvents will be discussed,
mainly with regard to their reusable and easily separable systems. Solvent-free
methodologies will also be described in detail. Additionally, catalytic amounts of
selenium-containing organic molecules can be applied to effect several chemical
transformations, leading to their use as organocatalysts within a “greener perspective”
and this probably represents the most important recent advance in this field. Other
important selective contributions in this field will also be addressed.
Keywords: Green chemistry, Selenium, Ionic liquids, Glycerol, Solvent Free,
Microwave, Hydrogen Peroxide, Oxidation, One-Pot Reaction, Atom Economy.