The 2-(chloroseleno)benzoyl chloride is a bifunctional electrophile able to
react with C-H acids. The selenenylation and acylation of the active methy
lene group in the presence, of triethylamine, lead to the ring closure. Bas
ed on this reaction 2-substituted benzo[b]selenophen-3(2H)-ones and 3-hydro
xybenzo[b]selenophenes are produced in moderate to high yields.