Amide bond formation from selenocarboxylates and aromatic azides

A new method of amide bond formation was developed through the reaction of potassium selenocarboxylates with aromatic azides at room temperature. Potassium selenocarboxylates were prepared in situ by the treatment of diacyl selenides with potassium methoxide at 5 °C under N2. After the addition of azide, the reaction was allowed to gradually warm to room temperature and was stirred for 0.5–2 h. Excellent yields were obtained when electron deficient aromatic azides were used.