Transition-metal-free phenylselenylation of arenes with triflic anhydride activated methyl phenyl selenoxide

Abstract

Phenylselenylation of arenes were achieved in a one-pot procedure by treating arene substrates with triflic anhydride activated methyl phenyl selenoxide, and then demethylation with diisopropylamine. This reaction provide a convenient method to prepare diarylselenide products under transition-metal-free conditions. • Highly electrophilic selenium reagent was generated from selenoxide and triflic anhydride. • The substitution reaction with such selenium reagent proceed with innate regioselectivity of the aromatic ring. • Demethylation of diaryl methyl selenonium salt is accomplished with diisopropylamine.