Simple and efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical diaryl selenides from triarylbismuthanes and selenium under aerobic conditions

Abstract

Symmetrical diaryl selenides were synthesized in moderate-to-excellent yields by Cu-catalyzed C(aryl)Se bond formation followed by the reaction of triarylbismuthanes with elemental Se in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 and 1,10-phenanthroline (10 mol%) under aerobic conditions. This reaction proceeded efficiently: All the aryl groups on Bi were transferred to the coupling products.