Three-component synthesis of propargylamines catalyzed by silver Y zeolite

The preparation of substituted propargylamines via three-component reaction between benzaldehydes, terminal alkynes and secondary amines following all environmentally acceptable methodology has been developed. The process has been carried out under solventless conditions in the presence of a metal-exchanged Y zeolites, namely copper-, silver- and gold-FAU. The Sheldon test revealed that the copper and gold ions are leached into the solution, whereas with the silver-exchanged zeolite a real heterogeneous catalysis occurs. The optimization of the reaction, the possibility to reuse the catalyst and the extension of the process to Various aldehydes, terminal alkynes and secondary amines has been successfully accomplished.