Synthesis of 2-alkyl (and aryl)-1-aryl-2-propen-1-ones via m-CPBA mediated oxidation of γ-(benzotriazol-1-yl)allylic selenides

Treatment of 2-alkyl (and aryl)-3-aryl-3-(benzotriazol-1-yl)allylic selenides with m-CPBA (1 equiv.) for 10 min in CH2Cl2 at rt gave 2-alkyl (and aryl)-1-aryl-2-propen-1-ones in excellent yields.