A synthesis of N-substituted amino dienes (1a) and (1b) is described according to two different approaches. 1a is obtained through condensation of methyl 4-formyl-6-selenophenylhexanoate (4) with benzylamine followed by oxidation and elimination; Ib is formed by a Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction utilizing vinyltributyltin. The preparation of 4 is also described.