CuBr 2 -Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Bromo- N -Arylbenzimidamide with Se/S 8 Powder for the Synthesis of Benzo[ d ]isoselenazole and Benzo[ d ]isothiazole.

A CuBr 2 -catalyzed annulation of 2-bromo- N -arylbenzimidamide with selenium/sulfur powder for the synthesis of benzo[ d ]isoselenazole and benzo[ d ]isothiazole in generally good yields was investigated. This synthetic strategy features good substrate scope and functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the corresponding products could be converted into N -aryl indoles via rhodium III -catalyzed ortho C-H activation of the N -phenyl ring, providing an efficient approach for axial aromatic molecules.