Ligand-promoted reaction on silver nanoparticles: phosphine-promoted, silver nanoparticle-catalyzed cyclization of 2-(1-hydroxy-3-arylprop-2-ynyl)phenols

A highly efficient annulation of 2-(1-hydroxy-3-arylprop-2-ynyl)phenols leading to the key intermediates to synthesize aurones was catalyzed by silver nanoparticles/carbon black-supported silver nanoparticles. In the presence of phosphine ligand, both the catalysts show excellent catalytic activities in the reaction and give the products with good yields as well as excellent regio- and stereo-selectivities in a water-toluene mixed solvent. Furthermore, the catalysts can be recovered and recycled effectively several times.