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Lithium nbutylchalcogenolates are generated in situ by reacting the elements (S, Se, and Te) with nbutyllithium at 0 °C. Reaction of the lithium alkylchalcogenolates with activated alkenes and aldehydes gives the corresponding aldol adducts. The selenium-containing products give Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts after the oxidation/elimination of the selenoxide. The whole sequence can be performed in a one-pot procedure.

The mechanism of the addition reaction of TeCl 4 to alkynes was indirectly established by the detection of TeCl 3 centered radicals using EPR spin trapping, ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS characterization.

The potential of different Aspergillus strains in carrying out the biotransformation of cyclic ketones was investigated. All the strains employed showed alcohol dehydrogenase and Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase activities. trans -2-Methylcyclohexanol and trans -4-methylcyclohexanol were prepared in a single isomeric form by the use of Aspergillus terreus SSP 1498 and the corresponding ketones. Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones by all the fungi Aspergillus led to chiral lactones in good enantioselectivity.

Experimental conditions using whole cells to select fungal strains for specific bioreduction of ketones and formation of Baeyer–Villiger oxidation products were studied. Epicoccum nigrum SSP 1498 was effective in the bioreduction leading to the chiral alcohols in up to 98% enantiomeric excess. High acetophenone monooxygenase activity was observed by the use of the fungus Emericella nidulans CCT 3119 as biocatalyst.