Visible-light-promoted selenylation/cyclization of o -(1-alkynyl) benzoates to access seleno-substituted isocoumarins.

A simple and efficient method to access 4-selenyl-isocoumarin derivatives through visible-light-promoted selenylation/cyclization of o -(1-alkynyl) benzoates has been developed. This transformation is performed under mild conditions and has the advantages of functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope.