Electrochemical Selenylation‐Induced Oxyselenation of Alkene Derivatives for the Synthesis of β‐Hydroxyselenides

We report an electrochemical method for the synthesis of β‐hydroxy selenides from functionalized alkenes and diselenides. This reaction uses tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate ( n ‐Bu 4 NBF 4 ) as the electrolyte and acetonitrile (CH 3 CN) as the solvent for constant current electrolysis in an undivided electrolytic cell and provides moderate‐to‐good yields. The alkene derivatives, including carbamate and benzoate functionalized alkenes, are well tolerated. A plausible mechanism is proposed, and the reaction may involve the formation of selenium cation intermediates and the transition of six‐membered ring intermediates.