Silver nanoparticles as an efficient, heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for synthesis of β-enaminones

A simple and efficient protocol has been developed for synthesis of β-enaminones and β-enamino esters catalyzed by silver nanoparticles as a novel, heterogeneous, moisture stable and recyclable catalyst under mild reaction conditions. The reaction was optimized with respect to various parameters such as catalyst screening, catalyst loading, different solvents and temperature. The silver nanoparticle exhibited excellent activity and the methodology is applicable to diverse substrates providing good to excellent yields of desired products. The catalyst was recycled for three consecutive cycles without any significant loss in activity.

Graphical abstractA simple and facile protocol for synthesis of β-enaminones and β-enamino esters was developed by silver nanoparticles under ambient reaction conditions. Well characterized silver nanoparticles shows remarkable activity for synthesis of different β-enaminones and β - enamino esters and recycled for three consecutive runs.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►First report on catalytic activity of free silver nanoparticles. ►The synthesized silver nanoparticles are a novel, heterogeneous, moisture stable and recyclable catalyst under mild reaction conditions for synthesis of β-enaminones and β-enamino esters. ►The nanosized catalyst was optimized with respect to various parameters for the condensation of different dicarbonyl compounds and amines which provided excellent yields of desired products. ►The catalyst was efficiently recycled for three consecutive runs without any significant loss in activity.