Chemoselective and metal-free reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones by <i>in situ</i> produced benzeneselenol from <i>O</i>-(<i>tert</i>-butyl) Se-phenyl selenocarbonate

Abstract

The carbon-carbon double bond of arylidene acetones and chalcones can be selectively reduced with benzeneselenol generated <i>in situ</i> by reacting <i>O</i>-(<i>tert</i>-butyl) Se-phenyl selenocarbonate with hydrochloric acid in ethanol. This mild, metal-free and experimentally simple reduction procedure displays considerable functional-group compatibility, products are obtained in good to excellent yields, and the use of toxic Se/CO mixture and NaSeH, or the smelly and air-sensitive benzeneselenol, is avoided.