Abstract Starting from readily available 2-substituted-4-formylthiazoles and selenazoles, a series of 4-(2-aryl-4-selenazolyl)-1, 2, 3-selenadiazoles I and 4-(2-substituted-4-thiazolyl)-1, 2, 3-selenadiazoles II were prepared. Pyrolysis of compound II afforded (2-substituted-4- thiazolyl) acetylenes VII. Addition of potassium hydroxide pellets to an alcoholic solution of II gave 2-substituted-1, 4-diselenafulvenes VIII. Decomposition of compound II with base ...