A simple and efficient L-prolinamide-catalyzed alpha-selenenylation reaction of aldehydes.

An efficient and simple l-prolinamide-catalyzed alpha-selenenylation reaction of aldehydes with N-(phenylseleno)phthalimide has been developed for the efficient preparation of alpha-phenylselenoaldehydes. Such compounds are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, allylic alcohols, and amines. [reaction: see text]