Synthesis and applications of new chiral terpenyl organoselenium compounds

Terpenes create a substantial group of natural compounds differentiated due to the structure of the carbon skeleton, the presence of various functional groups and the number of stereogenic centers. Combining the terpenyl scaffold with the reactivity of the selenium atom enables to obtain chiral and highly reactive compounds. Organoselenium derivatives have been well-studied as efficient reagents and catalysts in modern organic syntheses. The Se-moiety can be easily introduced, manipulated and eliminated from the target molecule, thus providing an efficient route to new compounds. Herein, we will summarize our achievements in designing chiral organoselenium molecules derived from monoterpenes and their applications as reagents and catalysts.