KF/Al2O3 and PEG-400 as a recyclable medium for the selective α-selenation of aldehydes and ketones. Preparation of potential antimicrobial agents

2-Phenylseleno aldehydes and ketones were selectively obtained using solid-supported catalyst (KF/Al2O3) and PEG-400 as clean, recyclable medium in good to excellent yields. The method was applied in the preparation of highly functionalized 2-phenylseleno citronellal and citronellol, potential bactericide agents. The catalytic system KF/Al2O3 and PEG-400 can be re-used for four times without previous treatment.