Solvent free nucleophilic selenocyanation with [bmim][SeCN]. Direct access to perfluoroalkylselenide compounds

International audienceAvailable online-1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium selenocyanate ([bmim][SeCN]) proved to be a very efficient reagent for selenocyanation of alkyl halides. As part of an eco-friendly process, no organic solvents were used during the transformation and reaction times are reduced by using microwave as a heating source. The ionic liquid was carefully recycled in two different ways. Selenocyanate compounds were successfully transformed into trifluoromethylselenides in a one-pot two step procedure