Microwave-assisted cyanation of 3-bromo-3-(1-hydroxyalkyl)benzo[b]selenophene derivatives

Microwave-assisted palladium-catalyzed cyanation of 3-bromo-2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)benzo[b]selenophene affords 3-cyano derivatives. Raising the temperature promotes formation of 2-(1-alkenyl)-3-carbamoyl isomers through intramolecular transfer of water.