Radical selenation of C(sp3)-H bonds to asymmetric selenides and mechanistic study

Selenides are important structural motifs with a broad range of biological activities and versatile transformational abilities. In this study, a novel and mild method was developed for the facile synthesis of asymmetric selenides under metal-free conditions. The key features of this reaction include good functional-group tolerance, the use of readily available reagents and cheap, low-toxicity solvent, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. The results of preliminary radical-trapping experiments and a kinetic isotope effect study support a radical process.

Automated summary

A novel and mild method for the synthesis of asymmetric selenides under metal-free conditions is developed in this study. The key features of this method include good functional-group tolerance, the use of readily available reagents and cheap, low-toxicity solvent, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis.