Solvent‐Regulated Electrochemical Selenylation and Deuteration of Alkynyl Aryl Ketones: Chemoselective Synthesis of 3‐Selenylated Chromones and Deutero‐Selenylated Chalcones

Abstract We have developed an electrochemical reaction for the synthesis of 3‐selenylchromones and deutero‐selenylated chalcones of alkynyl aryl ketones. This method is free from metal catalysts and oxidants, and is regulated by solvents. The reaction conditions are mild, and a wide range of substrates can be employed to produce selenylated chromones and deutero‐selenylated chalcones, displaying potential anti‐inflammatory activities. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the applicability of this approach for the late‐stage deutero‐selenylation of the drug molecule, metochalcone.