Synthesis and Characterization of a New Five and Six Membered Selenoheterocyclic Compounds Homologues of Ebselen

The discovery of the antioxidant activity of selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) has attracted growing attention in the biochemistry of selenium. Among molecules which mimic the structure of the active site of the enzyme, N-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazolin-3-one 1, Ebselen, exhibited useful anti-inflammatory properties. It has been extensively investigated and has undergone clinical trials as an anti-inflammatory agent. Unfortunately, Ebselen exhibits relatively poor catalytic activity, prompting attempts to design more efficacious GPx mimetics that would retain his low toxicity while manifesting improved catalytic properties. In this context, novel 1,2-benzoselenazine and 1,2-benzoselenazols, which are five and six membered homologues of Ebselen were synthesized and characterized. One structure has been proven by single crystal X-ray crystallography.