Iron-catalyzed tandem reaction of C–Se bond coupling/selenosulfonation of indols with benzeneselenols

Abstract

An iron-catalyzed tandem reaction of C–Se bond coupling/selenosulfonation was developed. Starting from sample indols and benzeneselenols versatile biologically active 2-benzeneselenonyl-1H-indoles derivatives were efficiently synthesized. The reaction mechanism was studied by the deuterium isotope study and in situ ESI-MS experiments. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, wider substrate scope and provides an economical approach toward C(sp²)–Se bond formation.