Conversion of thiocarbonyl compounds into their corresponding oxoderivatives using benzeneseleninic anhydride

A series of thiocarbonyl compounds including xanthates, thioesters, thioureas, thiocarbonates, and thiones have been converted into their oxo-analogues by treatment with benzeneseleninic anhydride in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. Except for readily enolised thiones where further oxidation can take place, the method works well and compares favourably with other literature procedures. One example of a selenocarbonyl ester was likewise converted efficiently into the corresponding ester.