Electrocatalytic three-component cyclization reaction: synthesis of selenium-containing cyclopentenes via intermolecular selective [3+2] annulation of terminal alkynes, unsaturated propionates, and diselenides

Developing efficient electrochemical mediated three component cyclization reactions involving diselenides is of great significance for constructing structurally diverse organoselenium compounds. Herein, a novel electrocatalytic three-component cyclization reaction of terminal alkynes, unsaturated propionates, and diselenides has been developed, providing a simple and effective method for the synthesis of valuable selenocyclopentenes. This strategy uses inexpensive ferrocene as a redox catalyst to obtain a series of selenium-containing cyclopentene derivatives with moderate to excellent yields, characterized by mild reaction conditions, wide substrate range, and good functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies have been conducted, indicating selenium radicals, selenium anions, carbon radicals, and carbocations are involved in this transformation.