Synthesis and application of organotellurium compounds

Organotellurium compounds define the compounds containing carbon (organic group) and tellurium bond (C-Te). The first organic compound containing tellurium was prepared by Wohler in 1840 after the discovery of the metal by the Austrian chemist F. J. Muller von Reichenstein in the year 1782. The term tellurium was derived from Latin tellus. Tellurium was observed first time in ores mined in the gold districts of Transylvania. Naturally occurring tellurium compounds are present in various forms based on their oxidation states such as TeO2 (+4) and TeO3 (+6). These oxidation states of tellurium compounds are more stable as compared to the other oxidation states. Tellurium is a rare element and is considered a non-essential, toxic element. Tellurium possesses only one crystalline form which consists of a network of spiral chains similar to that of hexagonal selenium. Tellurium is used for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections prior to the development of antibiotics. Hence, the utilization of organotellurium compounds plays a significant role as reagents and intermediates in various organic syntheses.