Stereoselective selenium catalyzed dihydroxylation and hydroxymethoxylation of alkenes

The selenium atom of the selenocysteine plays a crucial role in the reduction of peroxides. Herein we showed that, in the absence of a thiol cofactor, the same aminoacid efficiently catalyzed the dihydroxylation of carbon–carbon double bonds leading to the stereoselective formation of 1,2-diols at room temperature and in on water conditions. Alternatively, in the presence of methanol, the corresponding β-methoxyalcohol can be prepared. The stereoselectivity of the reaction will be discussed and NMR evidences of the actual catalyst are here reported.