Electrochemically promoted selenocyclization for the synthesis of organoselenyl isoxazoles

Abstract

An electrochemically promoted protocol has been successfully developed for the synthesis of 4-organoselenyl isoxazoles via the oxidative selenocyclization of 2-alkyn-1-one O-methyloximes with diorganyl diselenides as selenation reagents. A wide range of titled compounds were obtained in over 80% yields without an additional catalyst or external oxidant. In comparison with existing methods, this newly developed protocol featured broader substrate scopes, higher selectivity and more atom economy.