A variety of functionalized organoselenium compounds were synthesized from doubly
activated cyclopropanes and diselenides in the presence of sodium borohydride. A range
of substituents were stable under these reaction conditions. Additionally, we extended
the scope of the method by reducing nitro groups in the products to give the corresponding
selenium-containing unnatural amino acids.
Key words
cyclopropanes - diselenides - selenium - amino acids - ring opening