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 beta-enaminones and beta-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. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.