Sterically encumbered hexakis(alkylseleno)benzenes: conformational behavior of hexakis(iso-propylselenomethyl)benzene toward Hg2+ ions on selective recognition

An efficient synthesis and structural aspects of a novel class of hexa- kis(alkylseleno) benzenes [(RSeCH2)(6)C-6] (R = Me, Pr-i, Bu-n, Bu-s, Bu-n, (n)Pn, (n)Hx, (n)Oct, 1-methylnaphthalene) by the reaction of hexa kis(bromomethyl) benzene with RSe- ions is demonstrated. Preliminary data on ion-sensing properties reveal that these species may act as selective ionophores for Hg2+ ions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.