Vilsmeier reagent, NaHSe and diclofenac acid chloride: one-pot synthesis of a novel selenoindolinone with potent anticancer activity.

An effective and straightforward synthesis of 3-seleno functionalized indolinone (5) involving Vilsmeier reagent is presented. Likewise, a procedure to achieve lactamization of diclofenac with excellent yields by using hydrides is also ascertained. Compound 5 exhibited impressive growth inhibition in most of the cell lines in an NCI-60 panel, particularly towards resistant breast cancer cells.