An efficient one-pot approach to selenides: CuI-catalyzed reactions of magnesium selenolate with aryl or alkyl halides

Abstract

An efficient one-pot route to symmetrical selenides in GC with yields from 13 to 94% has been developed by CuI catalyzing reactions of magnesium organoselenolates with aryl or alkyl halides under mild conditions. It is suggested that selenium could leave from PhSeMgBr to form other RSeMgBr with RMgBr based on experimental results. Although the leaving selenium causes low yield of unsymmetrical selenides and complex products, it offers a slowly releasing selenium source in preparation of nano metal selenides, and a potential leaving group in nucleophilic substitution. The role of excess magnesium is proposed.