Visible Light-Promoted Selenylation/Cyclization of Enaminones toward the Formation of 3-Selanyl-4H-Chromen-4-Ones

A simple and efficient visible-light-promoted selenylation/cyclization of enaminones have been realized for the practical synthesis of 3-selanyl-4H-chromen-4-ones. This reaction is performed in the mild conditions, no transition metal catalyst or photocatalysts and no additional oxidants are required. In addition, the 3-selanyl-4H-chromen-4-ones could be easily converted to selanyl-functionalized pyrimidines by reacting with benzamidine substrates.

Automated summary

A simple and efficient visible-light-promoted method has been developed for the synthesis of 3-selanyl-4H-chromen-4-ones, without the need for transition metal catalysts or additional oxidants. Additionally, the resulting products can be easily converted to selanyl-functionalized pyrimidines through reaction with benzamidine substrates.