A Novel Synthesis of Primary Selenoamides from Nitriles by the Treatment of Bis(trimethylsilyl) Selenide and BF3·OEt2

Abstract
Reaction of nitriles with (Me3Si)2 Se in the presence of BF3·OEt2 afforded the corresponding primary selenoamides in moderate yields. A selenourea and a selenothiocarbamate were also prepared in a similar manner from the corresponding cyanamide and thiocyanate.