Selenium-assisted reduction of α- and β-diketones with carbon monoxide and water

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)60970-X

Phenyl substituted α- (PhC(=O)C(=O)R) and β-diketones (PhC(=O)CHRC(=O)R′) are reduced by carbon monoxide and water in the presence of elemental selenium to give the corresponding aromatic ketones in moderate to good yields.