Synthesis of 2,3-Disubstituted Benzo[<i>b</i>]selenophenes via Electrophilic Cyclization

Abstract

2,3-Disubstituted benzo[b]selenophenes have been prepared by the electrophilic cyclization of various 1-(1-alkynyl)-2-(methylseleno)arenes by Br2, NBS, I2, ICl, PhSeCl, PhSeBr, and Hg(OAc)2. This method tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, including alcohol, ester, nitrile, nitro, and silyl groups, and proceeds under exceptionally mild reaction conditions.