Diphenyl ditelluride

Diphenylditelluride is the chemical compound with the formula ₂, abbreviated Ph₂Te₂. This orange-coloured solid is the oxidized derivative of the unstable benzenetellurol, PhTeH. Ph₂Te₂ is used as a source of the PhTe unit in organic synthesis and as a catalyst for redox reactions. The compound is a strong nucleophile, easily displacing halides. It also adds electrophilically across multiple bonds, and traps radicals.

Preparation

Ph₂Te₂ is prepared by the oxidation of tellurophenolate, which is generated via the Grignard reagent:
The molecule has C₂ symmetry.