Organoselenium compounds. Synthesis, application, and biological activity

We review green solvent alternatives in organoselenium chemistry. We present the application of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for the synthesis of seleno-functionalized molecules under mild reaction conditions; the application of polyethylene glycol, glycerol and ethanol as solvents and the use of organoselenium compounds as starting materials for the preparation of ionic liquids. The preparation and application in organic synthesis, materials synthesis, ligand chemistry and biologically relevant processes of organoselenium compounds are reviewed.