Several beta-seleno-alpha, beta-unsaturated nitroalkenes were prepared via an addition-elimination process using the corresponding sulfinyl compounds and phenyl or methyl selenol.
The reaction of β-nitro-α,β-unsaturated sulfoxide 7 with δ-lactam enolates 11 – 15 afforded 20 – 24, respectively, in good chemical yields with high enantiomeric excesses.