First regioselective iodocyclization of O-allylselenocarbamates

4-Alkyl-2-imino-1,3-oxaselenolanes were prepared in good yields with high regioselectivity under mild conditions by the reaction of selenocarbamates with I-2, or NIS. The resulting 4-alkyl-2-imino-1,3-oxaselenolanes on dehydrohalogenation gave 4-alkylidene-2-imino-1,3-oxaselenolanes. The formation of the (Z)- or (E)-isomer of 4-alkylidene-2-imino-1,3-oxaselenolanes, strongly depends on the configuration of the double bond of O-allylselenocarbamates. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.