Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzoselenazoles from Se-mediated Redox Condensation of 2-Chloronitrobenzene and Arylmethyl Chloride

A selenium-mediated redox condensation of 2-chloronitrobenzene and arylmethyl chloride to obtain 2-arylbenzoselenazoles has been realized under metal-free condition. The reactions proceeded in moderate-to-good yields with good functional compatibility and gram-scale achievement. Primarily mechanistic investigation suggested that key intermediate Bn(Se)nBn II, was first isolated and confirmed by NMR.