Electrochemical selenocyclization of 2-ethynylanilines with diselenides: facile and efficient access to 3-selenylindoles

An efficient electrochemical selenocyclization strategy for the synthesis of 3-selenylindoles from 2-ethynylanilines and diselenides has been developed in simple tube- or beaker-type undivided cells under ambient conditions. Notably, these sustainable transformations are completed within a short time with low equivalents of charges, diselenides and electrolytes, exhibiting a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, a gram-scale electrosynthesis and late-stage functionalization of complex molecules further demonstrate the practical synthetic potential of this facile electrochemical system. Sustainable electrochemical selenocyclization is reported for the efficient construction of 3-selenylindoles. This strategy with excellent functional group compatibility shows potential in late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules.

Automated summary

An efficient electrochemical selenocyclization strategy has been developed for the construction of 3-selenylindoles. This strategy exhibits excellent functional group compatibility and shows potential in the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules.