Conversion of Amides, N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylurea, and Esters to the Corresponding Selenoxo Compounds by Treatment with Bis(trimethylsilyl) Selenide and BF3*OEt2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.67.876

The reactions of amides and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylurea with (Me3Si)2Se in the presence of BF3*OEt2 afforded the corresponding selenoxo compounds in good yields.On the other hand, selenation of ethyl and butyl benzoates in a similar manner gave benzoin and 2,3,5,6-tetraphenyl-1,4-diselenin via selenoesters.The trapping of selenoesters was also achieved by 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene to afford <4+2> cycloadducts.