New Catalytic Method for the Synthesis of <i>β</i>‐Hydroxy Selenides

Abstract

In the presence of NH 4 I as catalyst and m ‐chloroperbenzoic acid as oxidant, the Se–Se bond cleavage of diselenides undergoes smoothly. The in situ generated reactive electrophilic Se species reacts with alkenes quickly, and a series of β ‐hydroxy selenides are prepared in good yields. This new catalytic method for synthesis of β ‐hydroxy selenides is a stereospecific anti addition, which occurs with a Markovnikov orientation.