Electrochemical Synthesis of 5-Selenylbenzo[a]carbazoles via Cascade Cyclization of Indoles with Diselenides

Abstract

The substituted benzo[a]carbazoles have attracted significant attention for their applications in advanced materials and as core frameworks in biologically active alkaloids. Herein, we developed a sustainable electrochemical oxidative cyclization method using diselenides to convert 2-arylethynylaryl indoles into 5-selenylbenzo[a]carbazoles. Notably, the reaction produces the desired products in good to exceptional yields under mild, environmentally benign conditions, without the use of metals, oxidants, or bases.