Catalyst free one-pot synthesis of symmetrical diaryl tellurides with Te0/KOH

A highly efficient new protocol for C-Te bond formation leading to symmetrical diaryl tellurides has been developed. The synthesis employed aryl iodides and elemental tellurium as starting materials in the presence of KOH. It is a one-pot reaction without using any catalyst. Utilizing this new protocol, a variety of aryl and heteroaryl iodides are reacted with elemental tellurium to afford the corresponding diaryl tellurides in good to excellent yields.