Synthesis of antioxidant 2-alkynylarylmethyl selenides via three-component assembly of arynes, alkynes and PhSO2SeCH3.

Alkynylmethylselenation of arynes with alkynes and PhSO2SeCH3 is completed using a simple copper catalytic system, which effectively prevents challenging side reactions such as terminal alkyne selenation and aryne hydrosulfonylation. 33 examples of structurally novel 2-alkynylarylmethyl selenides, late-stage arylmethylselenation of terminal alkyne-containing pharmaceuticals and incorporation of the SeCD3 group have been successfully achieved under mild reaction conditions. Compound 4j is a promising candidate for antioxidant development, as it efficiently reduces oxidative stress injury by scavenging ROS and enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses.