The controlled preparation of two types of α-seleno-α,β-unsaturated carbonyls, namely, α-selenoenals and α-selenoenones, have been accomplished.

Tunable chemoselectivity (O-versus Cattack) in the rhodium-catalyzed reactions of allenols with 4-substituted-1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles has been achieved through the replacement of the 4-aryl substituent by a 4-acetyl moiety.

α,β-Unsaturated α′-alkoxy ketones have been prepared under mild conditions from allenes using water as the oxygen source and without the necessity of metals. The organocatalytic oxygenation–rearrangement sequence displays an exquisite chemo-, stereo-, and site-selectivity as well as good functional group compatibility. DFT calculations suggest that stabilizing noncovalent Se···O interactions may be responsible for the observed reactivity.

The metal- and irradiation-free C–H bis(triflyl)ethylation reactions of a variety of heterocycles including marketed drugs have been accomplished.