Iodine-Catalyzed Selenylation of 2<i>H</i>‑Indazole

A metal-free, environmentally friendly protocol for the arylselenylation of 2<i>H</i>-indazole has been developed using a catalytic amount of I₂ under ambient conditions. A number of 3-(phenylselanyl)-2<i>H</i>-indazoles with wide functional group tolerance have been synthesized in good yields at room temperature. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction possibly proceeds through an ionic pathway.