Synthesis of benzoselenazoles and benzoselenazolines by cyclization of 2-amino-benzeneselenol with β-dicarbonyl compounds

We describe here our results on the addition of 2-amino-benzeneselenol, generated in situ by reaction of bis(2-aminophenyl)-diselenide with H3PO2, to p-dicarbonyl compounds using glycerol as solvent. Depending on the nature of p-dicarbonyl compounds used in reactions, benzoselenazoles or benzoselenazolines were obtained in good yields under mild conditions. When the reactions of in situ generated 2-amino-benzeneselenol were performed with 1,3-diketones, benzoselenazoles were formed in good yields, whereas reactions carried out with p-keto-esters provided benzoselenazolines in high yields. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.