Efficient synthesis of diorganyl selenides via cleavage of Se-Se bond of diselenides by indium(III) catalyst and zinc

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diorganyl selenides from an one-pot indium(III) catalyzed procedure, in the presence of zinc, has been developed. Various organic halides and even the unreactive organic chlorides underwent the reaction efficiently. Also diaryl and dialkyl diselenides underwent the coupling reaction.