Selenium-catalyzed oxidative halogenation

Organoselenides catalyze the oxidation of halides by H2O2. Furthermore, these selenides catalyze the transfer of oxidized halogens from N-halosuccinimides to olefins and ketones. Thus, organoselenides catalyze oxidative halogenation reactions including halolactonization, alpha-halogenation of ketones, and allylic halogenation. The ability of selenium to undergo reversible 2e(-) oxidation-reduction chemistry facilitates halogenation through selenium-bound halogen intermediates. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.