PIFA-mediated selenylative spirocyclization of indolyl ynones: facile access to selenated spiro[cyclopentenone-1,3′-indoles]

Abstract

A fast selenylative spirocyclization of indolyl ynones mediated by PIFA has been developed. This transformation was enabled by the reactive RSeOCOCF₃ species generated in situ from diselenides with PIFA, involving an electrophilic dearomative cascade cyclization. This protocol provides a facile and efficient method for the synthesis of selenated spiro[cyclopentenone-1,3′-indoles] and tolerates broad functional groups.