Synthesis of Isoselenocyanates

Isoselenocyanates were synthesized by two methods under phase-transfer conditions (50% aq NaOH, CH2Cl2, Aliquat 336); the first started from isocyanides and selenium and gave isoselenocyanates in 61-89% yields, while the second started from amines and used chloroform and selenium, by applying sequentially the Hofmann isonitrile synthesis and the addition of selenium, in 4-70% yields.