The first example of formation of the benzyne intermediate from the reactions of selenonium salts with phenyllithium

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00136-7

The reaction of diphenyl(phenylethynyl)selenonium salt 1a with 1.0 equiv. of phenyllithium afforded 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne 5 and 1-(o- biphenylyl)-2-phenylethyne 7 in 25% and 15% yields, respectively. The latter product 7 was formed via the benzyne intermediate.