Rongalite®-promoted odourless and highly regioselective synthesis of β-hydroxyselenides under solvent-free conditions

An efficient and facile procedure for the odourless and highly regioselective synthesis of β-hydroxyselenides by the ring-opening of epoxides with 1,2-diphenyldiselenide in the presence of Rongalite® and K2CO3 under solvent-free conditions on grinding has been developed. The important features of this methodology are high yields, reasonably rapid reaction rate, simple workup, high regioselectivity and no requirement for metal catalysts.