Conjugate addition-elimination reactions as a novel synthetic route to dialkylated alpha,beta-unsaturated diesters

The paper describes a novel synthetic route for mono- and dialkylation of dimethyl 2-phenylseleno fumarate 1. The conjugate additions to 1 proceed regio- and stereoselectively. The subsequent oxidative eliminations of phenylseleno group provide a convenient procedure for the synthesis of the title compounds.