2-Substituted-4-hydroxymethyltellurophenes from acetylenic epichlorohydrins and sodium telluride

2-Substituted-4-hydroxymethyltellurophenes and acetylenic allyl alcohols (enynols) are products from the action of sodium telluride on acetylenic epichlorohydrins. Variation in the degree of reduction of tellurium to telluride ion has a dramatic effect on the ratio of tellurophene to allyl alcohol, either of which may be obtained as the major product.