Synthesis of Isoselenazoles and Isothiazoles from Demethoxylative Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Oxime Ethers

A general method for the synthesis of isoselenazoles and isothiazoles has been developed by the base-promoted demethoxylative cycloaddition of alkynyl oxime ethers using the cheap and inactive Se powder and Na2S as selenium and sulfur sources. This transformation features the direct construction of N-, Se-, and S-containing heterocycles through the formation of N–Se/S and C–Se/S bonds in one-pot reactions with excellent functional group tolerance.