Activation of alkynes by chalcogen bonding: a Se⋯π interaction catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 1,6-diynes

The activation of the triple bond of alkynes was dominated by transition metals, while it is difficult for organocatalysts to play an effective role in this realm. Herein, we describe the activation of alkynes by chalcogen bonding, and the weak SeMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS pi interaction was capable of catalyzing the intramolecular cyclization of 1,6-diynes, thus adding a new capability in the list of supramolecular catalysis. The activation of alkynes was achieved by SeMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS pi bonding, enabling cyclization of 1,6-diynes to take place.