Aminoselenation and Dehydroaromatization of Cyclohexanones with Anilines and Diselenides.

A three-component cascade reaction involving cyclohexanones, anilines, and diaryl diselenides under metal-free conditions is reported. The ortho-selenation of cyclohexanones with diaryl diselenides, followed by sequential dehydroaromatization with anilines, enables the preparation of a variety of o -selanyl anilines in moderate to excellent yields. This innovative transformation is notable for its excellent tolerance of functional groups and is suitable for the late-stage modification of complex pharmaceuticals.