The efficient regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z,Z)-3,3'-selanediylbis(2-propenamides) in 76-93% yields was developed based on the reaction of sodium selenide with 3-trimethylsilyl-2-propynamides. (Z,Z)-3,3'-Selanediylbis(2-propenamides) are a novel class of organoselenium compounds. To date, not a single representative of 3,3'-selanediylbis(2-propenamides) has been described in the literature. Studying glutathione peroxidase-like properties by a model reaction showed that the activity of the obtained products significantly varies depending on the organic moieties in the amide group. Divinyl selenide, which contains two lipophilic cyclohexyl substituents in the amide group, exhibits very high glutathione peroxidase-like activity and this compound is considerably superior to other products in this respect.
Keywords: (Z,Z)-3,3′-selanediylbis(2-propenamides); 3-trimethylsilyl-2-propynamides; desilylation; glutathione peroxidase-like activity; regioselective reactions; sodium selenide; stereoselective reactions.