A series of tetrazole-based diselenides and selenoquinones were synthesized.
Most of the compounds were selectively more cytotoxic to HepG2 cells.
Some compounds showed good free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay.
Compounds 9, 12, 14, 19 and 21 manifested good GPx catalytic activity.
Compounds 18, 21, 22 and 23 modulated the levels of caspase-8, Bcl-2 and Ki-67.