A Route to the Mild Synthesis of α-Selenomethylketones via Vinyl Azides

Organic selenium compounds are important molecules with a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals, organic materials, catalysis, and other fields. Herein, we report the synthesis of α-selenomethylketones through the reaction of vinyl azides with arylselenols and benzylselenol. This protocol has the advantages of releasing only nitrogen as a benign byproduct, using air as an environmentally friendly initiator, a very short duration, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate compatibility. The results of exploratory studies show that oxygen in the air is used as the initiator to promote this radical cascade reaction.