Catalytic conversion of alkenes into allylic ethers and esters using diselenides having internal tertiary amines

Abstract

2,2′-Diselenobis{N,N-di[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]benzylamine}1 with copper(II) nitrate or 2,2′-diselenobis(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylbenzylamine)2 catalyses the conversion of alkenes 3 into oxygenated allylic compounds 4 both in methanol and in acetic acid in the presence of sodium persulfate as an oxidizing agent.