A convenient and high yielding procedure for the preparation of isoselenocyanates. Synthesis and reactivity of -alkylselenocarbamates.

Abstract A high yielding one pot procedure for the preparation of isoselenocyanate from the corresponding formamide is reported. Various aromatic and aliphatic primary amines were employed in order to prepare the isoselenocyanates to establish the generality of the procedure. O -Alkylselenocarbamates of various primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols were synthesized and their stability and comparative reactivity were studied. Radical deoxygenation of the selenocarbamate of a secondary and a tertiary alcohol was accomplished under various conditions.