C[sbnd]H functionalization of (hetero)arenes: Direct selanylation mediated by Selectfluor

Abstract

The direct selanylation of a diverse array of (hetero)arenes, including imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, 1H-indole, 1H-pyrazole, isoxazole and naphthalen-2-ol is presented. The reactions are mediated by Selectfluor, as a stable, easy to handle and commercially available oxidant. The methodology features simple, mild and safe reaction conditions to produce non-symmetrical diorganyl selenides in moderate to excellent yields. The reactions were conducted at room temperature in air using NaHCO3 in acetonitrile.