KIO3‐Catalyzed C(sp2)‐H Bond Selenylation/Sulfenylation of (Hetero)arenes: Synthesis of Chalcogenated (Hetero)arenes and their Evaluation for Anti‐Alzheimer Activity

Abstract Highly efficient KIO 3 ‐catalyzed chalcogenations (S and Se) of (hetero)arenes, with easily accessible and odorless dichalcogenides, were obtained through direct C(sp 2 )‐H bond chalcogenation. Using this benign, atom‐economic protocol, the desired products were obtained regioselectively in good to excellent yields in the presence of ethylene glycol (4 equiv.) and KIO 3 (20 mol %) as a non‐toxic and easily handled catalyst. This metal‐ and solvent‐free approach is scalable, and it is applicable to different types of (hetero)arenes. Furthermore, several of these chalcogenated (hetero)arenes exhibited a significantly high percentage of AChE inhibition, revealing their potential anti‐Alzheimer activity.