Herein, we wish to report a new method for the synthesis of primary selenocarboxylic amides by reaction of nitriles with P 2 Se 5 in the presence of EtOH/H 2 O (Scheme [1] ). From a preparative viewpoint, our methodology is more convenient and reliable than the use of Al 2 Se 3 and is less toxic than CO, NaSeH or H 2 Se. In addition, P 2 Se 5 is much easier and more reliably available in pure form and is less prone to hydrolysis than Al 2 Se 3 . It can be handled in presence ...
