C6H5SeH

C6H5SeH, also known as benzeneselenol or phenylseleninic acid, is an organoselenium compound with the chemical formula C6H5SeH. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. This compound is characterized by a phenyl group (C6H5) attached to a selenyl group (SeH). The selenium atom in C6H5SeH is in the +2 oxidation state.

Benzeneselenol is a weak acid, with a pKa similar to that of thiophenol. It is soluble in many organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. The compound is reactive and can undergo oxidation to form diselenides or other selenium-containing species. It is also susceptible to electrophilic attack on the phenyl ring.

This organoselenium compound is used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It can participate in various reactions, including nucleophilic additions, radical additions, and as a source of selenium in the synthesis of other organoselenium compounds. For instance, it can be used to introduce a phenylseleno group into organic molecules, which can then be further manipulated. Due to its reactivity and characteristic odor, it is typically handled with care in a laboratory setting.