Synthesis of novel E-2-chlorovinyltellurium compounds based on the stereospecific anti-addition of tellurium tetrachloride to acetylene.

The reaction of tellurium tetrachloride with acetylene proceeds in a stereospecific anti-addition manner to afford the novel products E-2-chlorovinyltellurium trichloride and E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl)tellurium dichloride. Reaction conditions for the selective preparation of each of these products were found. The latter was obtained in 90% yield in CHCl(3) under a pressure of acetylene of 10-15 atm, whereas the former product was formed in up to 72% yield in CCl(4) under a pressure of acetylene of 1-3 atm. Synthesis of the previously unknown E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl) telluride, E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl) ditelluride, E-2-chlorovinyl 1,2,2-trichloroethyl telluride and E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl)-tellurium dibromide is described.