Semisynthetic bioactive organoselenium and organotellurium compounds

Organoselenium and organotellurium compounds are not only interesting as intermediates for the synthesis of complex molecules but also for their biological properties. One of the strategies used to prepare a pharmacologically active organochalcogen compound involves using a natural molecule that is already active as a starting material in order to enhance the bioactivity of the final product. Such molecular hybrids are new semisynthetic bioactive organochalcogen compounds. In this chapter, we describe methodologies for the preparation of various semisynthetic bioactive organoselenium and organotellurium compounds, focusing on the scholarly works published between 1995 and 2019. Special emphasis has been given to organochalcogen derivatives that present antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.