N-carbonylation of lithium azaenolates of amides, formamides, ureas, and carbamates with carbon monoxide mediated by selenium.

N-Carbonylation of less nucleophilic nitrogen compounds was achieved by the reaction of the lithium azaenolates with carbon monoxide and selenium. This reaction proceeds in the cases of amides, formamides, ureas, and carbamates, leading to the formation of the corresponding carbamoselenoates in good to high yields after trapping with BuI.