Diselenide-Mediated Catalytic Functionalization of Hydrophosphoryl Compounds.

We report a diaryldiselenide catalyst for cross-dehydrogenative nucleophilic functionalization of hydrophosphoryl compounds. The proposed organocatalytic cycle closely resembles the mechanism of the Atherton-Todd reaction, with the catalyst serving as a recyclable analogue of the halogenating agent employed in the named reaction. Phosphorus and selenium NMR studies reveal the existence of a P-Se bond intermediate, and structural analyses indicate a stereospecific reaction.