A Three-Component Strategy for Benzoselenophene Synthesis under Metal-Free Conditions Using Selenium Powder.

An efficient three-component benzoselenophenes formation has been developed from substituted indoles, acetophenones, and selenium powder under metal-free conditions. 2-Aryl indoles played an important role to promote benzoselenophene formation from acetophenone derivatives and selenium powder. One C-C and two C-Se bonds were selectively formed to provide 40 new benzoselenophenes in good yields.