Green synthesis, optical properties and catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles in the synthesis of N-monosubstituted ureas in water

We report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Euphorbia condylocarpa M. bieb root extract for the synthesis of N-monosubstituted ureas in water. UV-visible studies show the absorption band at 420 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the silver nanoparticles. This reveals the reduction of silver ions (Ag+) to silver (Ag-degrees) which indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology and easy work up. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.