Hydroselenation of alkynes by lithium butylselenolate: an approach in the synthesis of vinylic selenides

Org Lett. 2004 Apr 1;6(7):1135-8. doi: 10.1021/ol0498904.

Abstract

Vinylic selenides were prepared in good yields by hydroselenation of alkynes with lithium butylselenolate generated by reaction of n-butyllithium with elemental selenium. The regio- and stereochemistry of the hydroselenation depend on the nature of the substituents bonded to the alkyne.