Molybdenum(V)-mediated switching of the C(sp 2 )-Se bond of phenylselenyl-functionalized arenes or heterocycles under mild conditions.

Molybdenum(V)-mediated cleavage of C(sp 2 )-Se bond and C(sp 2 )-H bond as well as intramolecular oxidative C(sp 2 )-Se coupling reaction of phenylselenyl-functionalized arenes or heterocycles has been developed. Three kinds of benzoselenophene frameworks were constructed through this reaction with yields up to 94%. This new C(sp 2 )-Se bond-switching methodology may provide a new strategy for interesting applications of phenylselenyl-substituted aromatic compounds in the synthesis of selenium-containing heterocycles and natural products.