Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2026

Chemoselective Preparation of 1-Iodoalkynes, 1,2-Diiodoalkenes, and 1,1,2-Triiodoalkenes Based on the Oxidative Iodination of Terminal Alkynes
Published on: September 12, 2018
Electrosynthesis of Functionalized Chromenes via Selenylation-Induced Alkynes Cyclization
Guilherme M Martins1, Felipe de Lucca1, João P R S Ribeiro2
1Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo13565-905, Brazil.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Halogenation
Halogenation is another class of electrophilic addition reactions where a halogen molecule gets added across a π bond. In alkynes, the presence of two π bonds allows for the addition of two equivalents of halogens (bromine or chlorine). The addition of the first halogen molecule forms a trans-dihaloalkene as the major product and the cis isomer as the minor product. Subsequent addition of the second equivalent yields the tetrahalide.
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Halogenation of Alkenes
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Hydrohalogenation
Preparation of Alkynes: Alkylation Reaction
Alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary alkyl halides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide is one of the common methods for the synthesis of longer carbon-chain alkynes. For example, treatment of 1-propyne with sodium amide followed by reaction with ethyl bromide yields 2-pentyne.
Preparation of Alkynes: Dehydrohalogenation
Alkynes can be prepared by dehydrohalogenation of vicinal or geminal dihalides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide in liquid ammonia. The reaction proceeds with the loss of two equivalents of hydrogen halide (HX) via two successive E2 elimination reactions.
