A simple and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-1,2-bis-arylselanyl alkenes from alkynes using KF/Al2O3

The title compounds were synthesized by a one-pot reaction of diaryl diselenides with terminal alkynes avoiding the previous preparation of arylselanyl alkynes. The reactions were performed under mild conditions with a range of terminal alkynes using KF/Al2O3 and PEG-400 as solvent. The addition of diaryl diselenides to alkynes occurred stereoselectively to give exclusively (Z)-1,2-bis-arylselanyl alkenes in good yields. The reaction time was reduced to a few minutes using microwave irradiation and the KF/Al2O3/PEG-400 system can be reused one time without previous treatment with comparable activity.