Efficient synthesis of chiral beta-seleno amides via ring-opening reaction of 2-oxazolines and their application in the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation

[structure: see text] A set of chiral beta-seleno amides have been efficiently synthesized via the ring-opening reaction of chiral 2-oxazolines by selenium nucleophiles. The present method is applicable to the synthesis of beta-seleno amides containing thioether, alcohol, and ether moieties in good yields. As an application, the synthesis of a selenocysteine derivative has been accomplished. Additionally, these new compounds were evaluated in the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation, giving the alkylated products in up to 98% ee.