Cesium loaded on silica as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the novel synthesis of selenophenes

A simple and efficient catalytic protocol for the 2-amino-5-substitutedselenophene-3-carbonitrile derivatives (4a-k) via the one-pot condensation of dicyanomethane, selenium and various substituted esters using 1% cesium silica is reported. The present method offers several advantages such as high to excellent yields, short reaction times, recovery and reusability of catalyst, mild reaction conditions and easy workup procedures.