Selenium-catalyzed selective reactions of carbonyl derivatives: state-of-the-art and future challenges

Abstract

Selective reactions of carbonyl derivatives are challenging subjects with good academic meaning because of the multiple reaction sites in substrates and versatile reaction types. They are of practical value for the production of fine chemicals and industrial intermediates. With the rapid progress of selenium catalysis, related novel techniques began to be applied in the subject to synthesize a series of useful compounds under mild and green conditions. This article aims to summarize the recent advances and give a perspective on the issues that still need to be resolved in the field for both green chemistry and safety considerations.