Iron-Catalyzed Ligand-Free Carbon-Selenium (or Tellurium) Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Diselenides and Ditellurides

Carbon-selenium and carbon-tellurium cross-couplings of arylboronic acids with diselenides and ditellurides have been catalyzed by iron(0), iron(II) chloride or iron(III) chloride without any ligand and additive in the air. The method yields the corresponding unsymmetrical diorgano monoselenides and monotellurides in good to excellent yields, displays a broad substrate scope, and is simple, convenient, effective, economical and environmentally friendly