An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Symmetrical Diselenides or Ditellurides from Halides with CuO Nanopowder/Se0 or Te0/Base

A CuO nanopowder-catalyzed coupling reaction of aryl, alkyl, and heteroaryl iodides with elemental selenium and tellurium takes place in the presence of KOH at 90 degrees C in DMSO. A wide range of substituted symmetrical diselenides and ditellurides were afforded with good to excellent yields.