Cu-Catalyzed Efficient Synthetic Methodology for Ebselen and Related Se−N Heterocycles

An efficient copper-catalyzed method for the synthesis of biologically important ebselen and related analogues containing a Se−N bond has been developed. This is the first report of a catalytic process of selenation and Se−N bond formation reaction. Copper-catalyzed reaction tolerates functional groups such as amides, hydroxyls, ethers, nitro, fluorides, and chlorides. The best results are obtained by using a combination of potassium carbonate as a base, iodo- or bromo-arylamide substrates, selenium powder, and copper iodide catalyst.