Synthesis of α-selenoalkyllithium compounds

α-Phenylselenoalkyllithiums and α-methylselenoalkyllithiums have been prepared from the corresponding selenoacetals and alkyllithiums. Several features of this reaction are disclosed. For example, the reaction is more readily achieved on phenylselenoacetals than on methylseleno analogues. Those derived from hindered carbonyl compounds are less readily cleaved.s-BuLi/THF proved superior to n-BuLi in THF, itself better than n-BuLi in ether.