CAS 1482-82-2: Dibenzyldiselenide

1,2-Dibenzyldiselane

Dibenzyl diselenide is used as a source of the PhSe unit in organic synthesis. It is also used to introduce PhSe groups by reaction with a variety of nucleophilic, including enolates, enol silyl ethers, Grignard reagents, organolithium reagents, alkenes and amines. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Dibenzyl diselenide is a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It binds to the selenium compound, which is an enzyme that is involved in the formation of disulfide bonds. The inhibition of this enzyme prevents cancer cells from dividing, leading to cell death. Dibenzyl diselenide has been shown to have inhibitory properties against murine hepatoma cells and human liver cells in culture. The mechanism of action is not yet understood, but it may be due to light emission or through a reaction with palladium complexes. This drug also has pharmaceutical applications as it can be used for the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.