Synthesis of Chalcogenylchromenes through Cyclization of Propargylic Aryl Ethers

We describe here for the first time the synthesis of 2(chalcogenyl)-3H-benzo[f ]chromenes and the new 3-(phenylselanyl)-2H-chromenes by the radical or electrophilic cyclization of propargylic aryl ethers in the presence of diorganyl diselenides or ditellurides using Oxone as a green oxidant and acetonitrile as solvent in a sealed tube at 100 degrees C. In this study, thirty-one chalcogenylchromenes with a broad substrate scope were prepared in moderate to excellent yields (50-98%), including compounds derived from natural products.

Automated summary

In this study, we report for the first time the synthesis method of 2(chalcogenyl)-3H-benzo[f ]chromenes and the new 3-(phenylselanyl)-2H-chromenes through radical or electrophilic cyclization. The results showed high synthetic yields and broad substrate scope for the preparation of various chalcogenylchromenes.