Electrochemical synthesis of 3-selenyl-chromones via domino C(sp2)-H bond selenylation/annulation of enaminones

Abstract

Herein, we disclose a highly efficient pathway toward 3-selenylated chromone derivatives via electrosynthesis domino C(sp2)-H bond selenylation/cyclization/deamination of 2-hydroxyaryl enaminones with diselenides. This method showed mild conditions, easy operation, a wide substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, this electrosynthesis strategy was amenable to scaling up the reaction. Additionally, the preliminary experiments revealed that this reaction probably proceeded via a cation pathway instead of a radical pathway.