Electroreductive Deoxygenation of Methanesulfonates of α-Hydroxy Esters via a Catalytic Selenation–Deselenation Sequence

The methanesulfonates of α-hydroxy esters were converted to the corresponding deoxygenated esters in 70–88% yields by the indirect electrolysis with diphenyl diselenide as a recyclable reagent in a divided cell. This deoxygenation method may involve the formation of α-phenylselenoester by replacement of α-methylsulfonyloxyl group with phenylselenide anion followed by capture of the α-phenylseleno group with phenylselenide anion.