Synthetic Strategies for Selenodiazoles: A Route to Selenium‐Nitrogen Heterocycles

ABSTRACT Selenadiazoles, a unique class of selenium‐containing heterocyclic compounds, have attracted considerable interest due to their exceptional structural features and versatile electronic properties. These compounds have demonstrated significant potential across various domains, including medicinal chemistry, materials science, and catalysis. In the realm of pharmaceutical research, selenadiazoles exhibit noteworthy biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. These properties are largely attributed to the redox‐active selenium center within their molecular framework, which enables modulation of oxidative stress and enzyme activity. As a result, selenadiazoles have emerged as promising candidates for drug discovery and therapeutic development. Beyond their biomedical applications, selenadiazoles play a crucial role in materials science, particularly in the design of organic semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, and luminescent materials. Their tunable electronic characteristics and inherent stability make them valuable building blocks for advanced materials with applications in organic electronics and photonic technologies. In addition, selenadiazoles have proven to be efficient catalysts in organic synthesis, facilitating environmentally benign and selective chemical transformations. Their catalytic efficiency and reusability further underscore their importance in green chemistry. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, structural attributes, and functional applications of selenadiazoles, with a particular emphasis on recent advances in their development. A total of 352 selenadiazole compounds are discussed, encompassing all major structural types, including 1,2,3‐selenadiazoles, 1,2,4‐selenadiazoles, 1,2,5‐selenadiazoles, and 1,3,4‐selenadiazoles. The article provides an in‐depth analysis of the latest synthetic methodologies developed between 2015 and 2025, highlighting emerging trends and underscoring the growing significance of selenadiazoles in contemporary scientific research.