New rearrangement of phenylseleno- and trimethylsilylmethyl groups in 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylsilylpropyl selenides

Abstract

2-Hydroxy-3-trimethylsilyl-propyl selenides, readily prepared by the reaction of α-phenylselenoaldehydes and trimethylsilylmethyl-lithium, are transformed into primary allylic selenides and β-trimethylsilylpropanals by acid-catalysed dehydroxysilylation accompanied by a phenylseleno-shift, and by silver-induced rearrangement of the trimethylsilylmethyl group, respectively.