Woollins’ Reagent: A Graphical Review of Its Main Synthetic Uses

Abstract

Woollins’ reagent (W.R.) was initially used for the selenation of carbonyl compounds. However, various synthetic applications utilizing this reagent have since been discovered, making it increasingly useful. Examples include the formation of heterocycles, the stereospecific reduction of olefins, and the synthesis of selenoic acids, among others. Consequently, synthetic studies of W.R. derivatives have become increasingly relevant due to the growing demand for selenated compounds in various applications. Two notable examples are the agricultural sector, with the development of pesticides, and the pharmaceutical sector, with the development of antivirals, antioxidants, and neuroprotectors, among others. Hence, this graphical review aims to address the synthetic diversity that W.R. can provide, presenting examples of its main synthetic uses.