Synthesis of 1,1-Bis(seleno)-2-alkenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1988-27654

The success of the direct conversion of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds into the corresponding diselenoacetals by means of selenol/zinc chloride or tris(seleno)borane greatly depends on the starting carbonyl derivative.Enals and cyclic enones are transformed most efficiently, whereas acyclic enones mainly produce 1,4-addition compounds.