Preparation of 2-alkylselenobenzothiazoles by the reaction of alcohols with 2-(2-oxoethylseleno)benzothiazoles in the presence of tertiary phosphines

Article abstract of DOI:10.3987/com-98-s(h)94

Reactions of alcohols with 2-(1,2-diphenyl-2- oxoethylseleno)benzothiazole in the presence of Bu₃P gave the corresponding 2-alkylselenobenzothiazoles, where inversion of the secondary carbinol center of the alcohols took place. 1,3-Butanediol reacted at the primary hydroxyl group, while 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol reacted at the secondary hydroxyl group.