Introduction
The ability to endure tellurium–metal exchange with retention of the double bond configuration, allowing the formation of new carbon–carbon bonds in a very selective way, makes vinylic tellurides a promising class of compounds in organic synthesis.[1]
For the preparation of Z-vinylic tellurides,[1] the most convenient and widely used method is the hydrotelluration of alkynes. It differs from other hydrometallations in that it occurs through anti-addition of the tellurolate anion to the triple bond of the terminal alkyne, the regioselectivity being dependent on the nature of the alkyne source.[2]
Due to the simple preparation and purification procedures of vinylic tellurides compared to other organometallic reagents, the application of this class of compounds to the synthesis of biologic active compounds,[3] as well as the study of their toxicological and pharmacological[4] aspects, has experienced an exponential growth in the last years.
In addition, vinylic tellurides are air-stable and can be easily handled or stored for long periods; unlike Grignard or organolithium reagents.