Nickel-Catalyzed Electrochemical Synthesis of (Hetero)Aryl Trifluoromethyl Selenides

A convenient and efficient approach for the construction of aryl trifluoromethyl selenoethers from aryl iodides under mild conditions is reported. Electrochemical activation of stable and inexpensive NiBr(2)bipy (bipy - bipyridine) complex instead of labile Ni(COD)(2) (COD - cyclooctadiene) catalyst. [NMe4][SeCF3] is employed as shelf-stable source of SeCF3 fragment. The reaction tolerates a wide range of substrates, including modification of drug-like molecules. Cyclic voltammetry studies allow insight into the reaction mechanism.