Double bond geometry of the alkenes produced by oxidative elimination of alkyl phenyl selenides and tellurides

Abstract

Treatment of secondary-alkyl Phenyl selenides with various oxidants affords the corresponding trans-alkene highly selectively irrespective of the amount of oxidant, while in the case of the tellurium, analogues the double bond geometry of the product alkene depends markedly on the amount of oxidant, the trans-isomer being formed highly selectively with 1 equiv. oxidant and the proportion of the cis-isomer being increased with excess (2–10 equiv.) of oxidant.