A simple and efficient method for the preparation of selenyl-substituted quinoline derivatives through a C Sp3 −H selenylation of in situ-generated 3-acetyl quinoline has been developed. This protocol is easy to handle, scalable, and good functional group tolerant, providing a rapid method to 3-selenoacetyl quinoline and 3diselenoacetyl quinoline derivatives.

A photosensitizer-free visible-light-promoted isocyanide insertion protocol for the synthesis of selenylated spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] derivatives has been developed, which has the advantages of functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, simple operation, and good yield. 2-Phenyl-2'-(phenylselanyl)-6'-(trifluoromethyl)-4'H-spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] (3g), 5-bromo-2'-((4-fluorophenyl)selanyl)-2-phenyl-4'H-spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] (4d) and 2-phenyl-2'-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)selanyl)-4'H-spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] (4g) showed potent cancer-cell-growth inhibitory activities by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.