Synthesis of 4H-benzo[a]phenoselenazin-4-ones as near-ir dyes

The condensation of 2-bromo- or 2, 6-dibromo-4, 8-bis(alkylamino)-1, 5-naphthoquinones with zinc 2-amino-benzeneselenolates gave 1, 5-bis(alkylamino)-4H-benzoa]phenoselenazin-4-one and the 3- and/or 10-substituted compounds. These phenoselenazone derivatives absorb nearly infrared light and can be used as optical recording media for a laser beam.