A novel regioselective reaction of styrene with magnesium organoselenolates to afford unsymmetrical selenides catalyzed by CuI and l-proline

A novel regioselective reaction of styrene with the prepared magnesium organoselenolates from magnesium, alkyl or aryl bromides, and selenium has been developed in one pot. The reaction catalyzed by CuI and l-proline proceeded in THF, water, and toluene. The scope and limitations of this reaction have been examined. The reaction afforded unsymmetrical selenides containing 12 new compounds in good to high yields.