Electrosynthesis of Functionalized Chromenes via Selenylation-Induced Alkynes Cyclization

Abstract An efficient electrochemical method for the synthesis of functionalized chromenes via selenylation-induced intramolecular cyclization of alkynes is described. Herein, selenylated chromenes are obtained in yields up to 96%, without the need for external oxidants using an undivided cell equipped with carbon electrodes under galvanostatic conditions. Mechanistic investigations support an anodic generation of electrophilic selenium species, followed by intramolecular cyclization. Furthermore, the method encompasses a versatile substrate scope, demonstrates efficiency on a gram scale, and is significantly improved by using continuous-flow conditions.