Visible‐Light‐Promoted Selenylative Spirocyclization of Indolyl‐ynones toward the Formation of 3‐Selenospiroindolenine Anticancer Agents.

A metal‐free and efficient visible‐light‐induced spirocyclization of indolyl‐ynones with diselenides at room temperature under air atmosphere to prepare 3‐selenospiroindolenines in moderate to good yields has been developed. The resulting products were tested for in vitro anticancer activity by MTT assay, and compounds 3 c and 3 e showed potent cancer cell‐growth inhibition activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]