Visible-light-induced oxidative coupling of vinylarenes with diselenides leading to α-aryl and α-alkyl selenomethyl ketones

A visible-light-induced oxidative coupling of diselenides with readily available vinylarenes is demonstrated. This benign protocol allows one to access a wide range of α-aryl and α-alkyl selenomethyl ketones in good yields with excellent functional group compatibility. The distinct advantages of this protocol over all previous methods include the use of a green solvent and air as an oxidant and the lack of a photocatalyst, a base, and an oxidant as well as better green chemistry matrices. Furthermore, the title reaction can be performed with natural sunlight, the most sustainable energy source imaginable. Additionally, the mild reaction conditions, easy operation and suitability for the modification of styrene-functionalized biomolecules make the current reaction system a more attractive method for the synthesis of a variety of medicinal and agrochemical compounds of interest.