The Chemistry of Selenium-catalyzed Redox Processes

The redox properties of selenium enable a diverse range of synthetically useful and often unique reactions. These processes typically require stoichiometric amounts of selenium reagents, but more recent catalytic versions employing appropriate co-oxidants or co-reductants have reduced the cost, improved the atom economy, and minimized the formation of unnecessary selenium-containing waste products. These improvements have resulted in “greener” protocols that in turn have created renewed interest and innovative synthetic applications in the field of selenium chemistry. Furthermore, the careful design of selenium-based catalysts has improved the efficiency of previously known reactions, along with the development of novel regio-, diastereo-, and enantio-selective processes.