Reductive Cleavage of the Se–Se Bond by the Sm–Me3SiCl–H2O System: Preparation of Unsymmetrical Phenyl Selenides

Abstract

The reduction of diphenyl diselenide by the Sm–Me₃SiCl–H₂O system led to a selenide anion. This ‘living’ species reacted with organic halides, epoxides, α,β-unsaturated esters and α,β-unsaturated nitriles to afford unsymmetrical phenylselenides in good yields under mild and neutral conditions.