Efficient and Direct Selenocyanation of Ketene Dithioacetals Using Malononitrile-SeO2 Under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions

The first selenocyanation of ketene dithioacetals is achieved by using selenium dioxide and malononitrile under mild reaction conditions. The major highlights of this method are an easy set-up, excellent yields, metal free conditions and the use of odorless and inexpensive selenium reagents. Selenocyanated products are successfully transformed into selenated alkenes and nitrogen containing heterocyclic molecules which would be potential candidates with some desired pharmacological activities.