Simple and efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical diaryl selenides from triarylbismuthanes and selenium under aerobic conditions

Symmetrical diaryl selenides were synthesized in moderate-to-excellent yields by Cu-catalyzed C(aryl)-Se bond formation followed by the reaction of triarylbismuthanes with elemental Se in the presence of Cu(OAc)(2) and 1,10-phenanthroline (10 mol%) under aerobic conditions. This reaction proceeded efficiently: All the aryl groups on Bi were transferred to the coupling products. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.