Organoselenium Chemistry in Stereoselective Reactions

Selenium-based methods have developed rapidly over the past few years asnd organoselenium chemistry has become a very useful tool in the hands of synthetic chemists. The different reactivity of selenium-containing compounds in contrast to the sulfur analogues has led to versatile and new synthetic methods in organic chemistry. Various functionalities can be selectively introduced into complex molecules under very mild reaction conditions. In this review, the principles of organoselenium chemistry are traced back to their origins and are highlighted with respect to stereoselective synthesis. The unique properties of selenium allow the development of new and highly selective transformations, which can be employed subsequently in new routes for the synthesis of versatile chiral building blocks and for natural product synthesis.