Selenium Dioxide As an Alternative Reagent for the Direct α-Selenoamidation of Aryl Methyl Ketones

A general strategy for the preparation of N,N-dialkyl-2-oxo-2-arylethaneselenoamides is described. The single step method involves direct coupling of aryl methyl ketones with secondary amines and selenium dioxide in DMSO. The reactions proceeded smoothly at room temperature to provide a number of the alpha-oxo-selenoamides in good to excellent yields.