ELEMENTAL SELENIUM IN ORGANIC-SYNTHESIS

Important points have been discussed concerning utilization of element al selenium as a reactant in organic synthesis, and reactions have bee n presented leading to organo-selenium compounds as well as to those n ot containing this element. Thermal and chemical methods of activation of selenium have been presented as well. Among the chemical methods o f activation, those exploiting solvents, reducing systems and phase tr ansfer catalysts have been surveyed. Selenium-assisted reactions have also been described in which organic compounds are converted to organo metallics and the latter undergo activation. Finally, application of s elenium as a catalyst for a variety of reactions has been reviewed.