Seleninic Acids and their Derivatives

Seleninic acids and their anhydrides, RSe(O)OH and RSe(O)OSe(O)R, are used as versatile and specific oxidizing reagents for a variety of organic compounds. In contrast with selenenic acids, seleninic acids (and their anhydrides) are stable, especially, benzeneseleninic acid, PhSe(O)OH, and benzeneseleninic anhydride, PhSe(O)OSe(O)Ph, which are commercially available. 

The synthetic utihty of selenonic acid (RSeO, ) and its derivatives has, on the other hand, been limited, because of their lower thermal stability. 

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