Structural diversity in the products formed by the reactions of 2-arylselanyl pyridine derivatives and dihalogens

The reactivity of the 2-arylselanyl pyridine derivatives L1–L4 towards dihalogens X2 (X = I, Br) and interhalogens IX (X = Cl, Br) was studied in CHCl3 or CH3CN. The solid products obtained were structurally characterized and their nature points out the preference for CT spoke adducts and for seesaw insertion adducts to be formed at the N-donor and Se-donor site, respectively. DFT calculations were performed to provide a rationale for the structural diversity observed in the products obtained.