Time-economical synthesis of selenofunctionalized heterocycles via I2O5-mediated selenylative heterocyclization

A time-economical and robust synthesis of various selenofunctionalized heterocycles was accomplished via I2O5-mediated selenocyclizations of olefins with diselenides. Using this method, 116 selenomethyl-substituted heterocycles were synthesized with up to 97% isolated yield in minutes. Additional features of this new protocol include the use of an inorganic oxidant, mild conditions, and easy operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the transformation operates through selenenyl iodide-induced electrophilic cyclization.