Straightforward Method for theSynthesis of Selenocysteine and Selenocystine Derivatives from l-Serine Methyl Ester

A set of selenoamino acids has been efficiently synthesized under smooth conditions by a simple, flexible and modular strategy. In this method, O-mesylated L -serine methyl ester is generated in situ and directly substituted with various selenolate anions to afford selenocysteine, selenolanthionine, and selenocystine derivatives in good yields. Also, a tellurocysteine derivative can be obtained by this method.