Calix[4]arene-assisted KOH-catalyzed synthesis of O,O-dialkyl-Se-aryl phosphoroselenoates

•Mild reaction conditions.•Operational simplicity.•High yields.•Non-toxic and easily available starting materials.•Inexpensive catalysts.

A convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of O,O-dialkyl-Se-aryl phosphoroselenoates is described via a one pot reaction of diaryl diselenide and O,O-dialkylphosphonate catalyzed by KOH assisted by a co-catalyst of calix[4]arene 3. The calix[4]arene 3 can be recycled for five times with good yields of the desired products for the reaction. This protocol provide a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of O,O-dialkyl-Se-aryl phosphoroselenoates, avoiding the use of toxic reagents and expensive catalysts.

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