Synthesis of 1-alkynyl(diphenyl)onium salts of group 16 elements via heteroatom transfer reaction of 1-alkynyl(phenyl)-lambda 3-iodanes.

1-Alkynyl(phenyl)-lambda 3-iodanes undergo selective transfer of the alkynyl groups over the phenyl group onto diphenyl chalcogens. Exposure of 1-alkynyl(phenyl)-lambda 3-iodanes to diphenyl chalcogens (S, Se, and Te) in dichloromethane or 1,2-dichloroethane affords 1-alkynyl(diphenyl)sulfonium, -selenonium, and -telluronium salts in high yields.