Cesium hydroxide-catalyzed hydrothiolation of alkynyl selenides to highly stereo- and regioselectively synthesize (Z)-1-organoseleno-2-arylthio-1-alkenes

In the presence of catalytic amount of cesium hydroxide the hydrothiolation of alkynyl selenides occurred at room temperature in DMF under nitrogen atmosphere to give exclusive (Z)-1-organoseleno-2-arylthio-1-alkene in excellent yields. It could provide a new and expedient way for the preparation of (Z)-1-arylseleno-2-arylthio-1-alkene.