Selenazoles ring fission

It has also been stated that the 5-position of selenazoles is more reactive toward electrophilic substitution than that of thiazoles. Such reactivity is still further increased by substituents in the 2-position of the selenazole ring, which can have an —E-effect. Simultaneously, however, an increasing tendency toward ring fission was observed by Haginiwa. Reactions of the selenazole ring are thus limited mainly to the 5-position which, specially in the 2-amino-and the 2-hydrazino-selenazoles, is easily substituted by electrophilic reagents. However, all attempts to synthesize selenazole derivatives by the Gattermann and by the Friedel-Crafts methods... 

As a result of various side reactions, the yields are relatively low. However, in no case was ring fission found during the oxidations. Specially noteworthy is the ease with which the two methine groups in the 5-position of the 2-hydrazino-selenazoles are coupled together. Reference to models indicates that the quinonoid dyes exist in the trans form. 

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