Synthesis of Selenocyanated Indoles via PhICl2‐Induced Electrophilic Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐Alkynylanilines or 2‐Alkenylanilines

Abstract The 3‐selenocyanato‐substituted indoles were readily synthesized via (dichloroiodo)benzene (PhICl 2 )‐induced reaction of 2‐alkynylanilines or 2‐alkenylanilines with KSeCN in MeCN under metal‐free conditions. The reaction sequence was postulated to encompass the formation of a reactive selenocyanogen chloride species, generated in situ from the reaction of PhICl 2 and KseCN, followed by electrophilic addition and intramolecular cyclization steps.