Benzenetellurol is an organotellurium compound with the chemical formula or , often abbreviated as PhTeH, where Ph stands for phenyl. It is an analog of phenol , where oxygen is replaced by tellurium.
Synthesis Benzenetellurol can be synthesized by methanolysis of phenyl trimethylsilyl telluride () or its reaction with water or reduction of diphenyl ditelluride with phosphinic acid or sodium borohydride.
Uses Benzenetellurol is unstable in air, so it is used as a reducing agent in situ in organic synthesis, for example, to reduce aromatic nitro compounds to amines.
Benzenetellurol is an effective novel reagent for the reductive conversion of ketones into unsymmetrical ethers under the catalization of .
Related compounds Sodium benzenetellurolate is isolated as an air- and moisture-sensitive gray powder. It is prepared and stored under nitrogen atmosphere. Its solutions in acetone and THF are stable for months when kept under nitrogen atmosphere.
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