α-Phenylselenenylation of aldehydes and ketones with diphenyl diselenide mediated by KF/Al2O3

The utility of KF/Al2O3 for the synthesis of α-phenylseleno aldehydes and ketones from the corresponding aldehydes or ketones and diphenyl diselenide has been investigated. Simple stirring of a mixture of aldehyde or ketone and diphenyl diselenide in the presence of KF/Al2O3 at room temperature selectively produces the corresponding α-phenylseleno aldehyde or ketone in good to excellent yields.