Copper-Catalyzed Oxirane-Opening Reaction with Aryl Iodides and Se Powder.

Using Se powder as the selenating reagent, the copper-catalyzed double C-Se cross-coupling of aryl iodides, epoxides, and elemental selenium has been developed. This strategy provides a straightforward approach to the synthesis of β-hydroxy phenylselenides with excellent regioselectivity of the ring opening reaction. This process proceeds in generally good yields and is compatible with a broad range of functional groups.