Highly efficient three-component (aldehyde-alkyne-amine) coupling reactions catalyzed by a reusable PS-supported NHC-Ag(I) under solvent-free reaction conditions

The development of a highly efficient, polystyrene-supported NHC-Ag(I) catalyst for the three-component coupling reactions of aldehydes, alkynes, and amines (A(3)-coupling) was described. In the presence of PS-NHC-Ag(I) (2 mol %). the A(3)-reactions were carried out at room temperature under solvent-free reaction conditions and the corresponding propargylamines were generated in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the catalyst could be reused at least 12 times without a significant loss of its catalytic activity. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.