An efficient approach for the synthesis of functionalized selenoethers and selenacalix[4]thiophenes, {2,5-(μ-Se)(3,4-dialkoxythiophene)}4

An efficient method for the synthesis of selenoethers and selenacalix[4]thiophene utilizing SeCl2 is described. Reactions of phenols with SeCl2 produce the corresponding selenoethers in moderate to good yields. The selenacalix[4]thiophenes, [–Se-3,4-(C4(OR)2S)]4 (R = CH3, C6H13) were synthesized by convenient one-pot electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction of dialkoxy thiophene with SeCl2 in good yield.