Synthesis of Diaryl Selenides via Palladium-Catalyzed Debenzylative Cross-Coupling of Aryl Benzyl Selenides with Aryl Bromides

Abstract

Herein, we report a novel method for synthesizing diaryl selenides from aryl benzyl selenides and aryl bromides via debenzylative cross-coupling with a Pd/NIXANTPHOS-catalyst. NIXANTPHOS outperformed other commonly used bi- and monodentate ligands examined in this novel transformation. This reaction system displays wide functional group tolerance and excellent substrate scope. The transformation broadens the scope of palladium-catalyzed debenzylative processes to use selenolate anions as a leaving group. Its potential for practical synthetic applications was demonstrated with the gram scale synthesis of 4-chlorophenyl phenyl selenide.