Metal-free C–Se cross-coupling enabled by photoinduced inter-molecular charge transfer

Abstract

Metal-free C–Se cross-couplings via the formation of electron-donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes have been developed. The visible-light induced reactions can be applied for the synthesis of a series of unsymmetrical diaryl selenides employing aryl bromides, aryl iodides as well as aryl chlorides under mild reaction conditions. The scale-up was readily achieved. UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements provide insight into the reaction mechanism.