The reaction of diazomethane with a series of selenoesters 1 in the presence of CuI, CuSePh or Cu powder produced α-(alkyl-or arylseleno) methyl ketones 2 in yields of 41– 65%. Methyl ketones 3 and bis (arylseleno) methanes 9 or 14 were formed as by-products. The direct conversion of selenoesters to methyl ketones was accomplished in high yield by the usual reaction with diazomethane, followed by workup with HBr solution. The ...
