First example of selenium transfer reaction of primary selenoamides and selenourea. Novel synthesis of dialkyl diselenides from alkyl halides

Abstract

As selenium transfer reagents, arylselenoamides react with a variety of alkyl halides in ethanol under mild conditions to give dialkyl diselenides in excellent yields. Similarly, alkyl halides treated with selenourea form dialkyl diselenides. The possible mechanism is discussed.