[1-(Phenylseleno)alkyl]stannanes−Mixed Selenium/Tin Analogs of Acetals: Preparation from α-Hydroxystannanes and Use for Generating Selenium-Stabilized Carbanions

Selenium-stabilized carbanions are available by a route that does not involve acid-catalyzed formation of selenoacetals. Aldehydes are converted first into α-hydroxystannanes and then into α-(phenylseleno)stannanes. Treatment with BuLi affords selenium-stabilized carbanions by preferential Sn/Li exchange.