Reaction of lithium eneselenolates derived from selenoamides with ketones: a highly diastereoselective synthetic route to β,β-disubstituted β-hydroxy selenoamides

The reaction of lithium eneselenolates generated from selenoamides with a variety of ketones proceeded smoothly at −78°C to give the corresponding β,β-disubstituted β-hydroxy selenoamides in moderate to good yields. The reaction showed high diastereoselectivity. The products obtained were converted to the corresponding amides by reacting them with cyclohexene oxide.