Metallic chalcogenolates mediated modular Michael-aldol cascade reaction: an easy route to multi-functionalized chalcogenides and Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts

Chalcogenolate mediated Michael-aldol cascade reactions consists of a very efficient route to multi-functionalized gamma-hydroxichalcogenides. Although, when selenolates are employed, these gamma-hydroxichalcogenides can be readily converted into the corresponding Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts by oxidative elimination of the selenium moiety. In this context, herein we present a complete study on the scope and limitations of this reaction. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.