Visible-light-promoted cross-coupling reaction of hypervalent bis-catecholato silicon compounds with selenosulfonates or thiosulfonates

Under mild metal-free conditions, we successfully developed a visible-light-promoted free radical cross coupling of hypervalent bis-catecholato silicon compounds with selenosulfonates or thiosulfonates and efficiently constructed unsymmetrical 1°-alkyl–alkyl selenide compounds which are difficult to prepare. This protocol uses mild reaction conditions and easily available substrates, has a wide range substrate scope, high yields, and simple operation and no need of expensive photosensitive catalysts. It provides a green and simple method for the preparation of unsymmetrical alkyl–alkyl selenide compounds. At the same time, this strategy is also applicable for the efficient construction of aryl–alkyl selenides, heteroayl–alkyl selenides and aryl–alkyl sulfides.