N-acetylureas were synthesised regioselectivelyfrom 1,3-disubstituted selenoureas and zinc acetate. Regioselectivity was dependent on the pKa of the amine attached to the selenourea and occurred towards the amine with the lower pKa. The approach provided a simple, mild and efficient way to construct various N-acetylureas regioselectively in moderate to good yields (53–88%). A plausible mechanism was