Elemental Chalcogen (Se, S) in PEG-400 to the Synthesis of Seleno- and Thioflavones from 2-Chlorophenyl Ethynyl Ketone and Nucleophilic Species of Chalcogen

An alternative green method was developed for the synthesis of thio-and selenoflavones by the ring closure of 2-chlorophenyl ethynyl ketone with NaHY (Y = S, Se). These nucleophilic chalcogen species were generated in situ using NaBH4 to reduce the elemental chalcogen in the presence of polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400). The efficiency of this reaction is strongly dependent on the PEG-400 solvent, acting like a crown ether, complexing with the sodium atom of NaHY species, making the chalcogen nucleophile more active. The synthetic protocol proceeded efficiently at 100 °C under argon, using a ...