Silicon-assisted synthesis and functionalization of sulfurated and selenated compounds

The synthetic potential of thiosilanes and selenosilanes toward various electrophiles is described, focusing on the synthesis of a representative range of thiocarbonyl, selenocarbonyl, -functionalized compounds and acyl-seleno derivatives. Reactions of silyl chalcogenides with epoxides, episulfides and aziridines allowed the synthesis of -hydroxy, -mercapto and -amino thiols, as well as of -substituted selenides and diselenides. A peculiar behaviour was observed in the reaction with episulfides, leading to 7-membered trithia- and dithiaseleno-heterocycles. Furthermore, carbodesilylation of -heterosubstituted organosilanes provided a smooth access to benzothiophene and benzofuran-derivatives.