4,4'-Disubstituted diaryl tellurides showed glutathione peroxidase-like catalysis of the reduction of hydroperoxides by glutathione. The most potent compound, bis(4-aminophenyl) telluride, demonstrated 348%, 530%, 995% and 900% of the catalytic efficacy of Ebselen for the glutathione dependent reduction of H2O2, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide and linoleic acid hydroperoxide, respectively.