Organoselenium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Oxygen- and Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles

A new and efficient approach for the synthesis of oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles by organoselenium catalysis has been developed. The exo-cydization proceeded smoothly under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance and excellent regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed that 1-fluoropyridinium triflate is key for oxidative cyclization.