2,2'-Diselenodibenzoic acid N,N-dimethylformamide disolvate.

The molecular structure of the title compound, C14H10O4Se2- 2C3H7NO, reveals Ci symmetry, with the inversion centre located at the mid-point of the Se Se bond. Diselenide derivatives are important in the synthesis of ebselen and other organoselenium compounds. These derivatives are of interest owing to their biological activity as oxidoreductans. The structure displays an O—H⋯O hydrogen bond between the carboxyl group and the carbonyl unit of the dimethylformamide solvent molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]