Direct C–H selenylation of (Benz)imidazole and related heterocycles via cooperative action of palladium and silver catalyst

Abstract

The selenylation of (benz)imidazole and related heteroarenes has been successfully achieved using PdCl₂/Ag₂O/Xantphos as a catalytic system. This method exploits the cooperative action of palladium and silver catalyst to activate diaryl diselenides as well as C–H bonds of (benz)imidazole and related heteroarenes, enabling the effective coupling of selenium moieties with these heteroarenes. Control experiments involving variation in catalyst loading revealed the synergistic interaction between Pd and Ag catalyst in the reaction. The unification of these robust catalytic systems ensures optimal outcome in the synthesis of a diverse array of organoselenium compounds featuring aryl-heteroaryl scaffolds.