Abstract

This article gives a historical background on the introduction of the chalcogen chemistry in Brazil. It also describes the development of synthetic methods based on organotellurium compounds, and their use in the synthesis of biologically active compounds. A brief comment on the biological activity of organotellurium compounds is also made.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds, chalcogen chemistry, organic synthesis, organotellurides, tellurium/metal exchange, total synthesis.