2-Oxazolines (4,5-dihdro-oxazoles) by organoselenium-induced cyclisation of allylic ureas

Abstract

The reaction of allylic ureas with phenylselenenyl chloride in the presence of silica gel affords 2-oxazolines in good to excellent yields; 2-oxazolines are also stereospecifically obtained from β-phenylseleno ureas by chemoselective alkylation of the selenium atom followed by basic treatment.