Selenol Nitrosation and <i>Se</i>‐Nitrososelenol Homolysis: A Reaction Path with Possible Biochemical Implications

Abstract

The nitrosation of selenol 1 with an alkyl nitrite (see scheme) at −78 °C generated the first Se-nitrososelenol 2, which was identified by IR spectroscopy and further proven by its 1,4-addition to dimethylbutadiene. Compound 2 decomposes rapidly to give 3. The experiments may give insight into the interactions of selenoproteins with NO in vivo.