Silver supramolecule catalyzed multicomponent reactions under mild conditions

A novel supramolecular complex [Ag(L)(NO3)] (1) was synthesized by reaction of the oxazoline-containing ligand 1,4-bis(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)benzene (L) with silver(I) nitrate and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structurally speaking, the one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chains of 1, in which the Ag(I) is three-coordinated with distorted trigonal-planar coordination geometry, are linked together by the hydrogen bonding interactions to form a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure. It was found that the silver supramolecule 1 catalyzes the three-component coupling reactions of aldehyde, alkyne, and amine in the air at room temperature to generate propargylic amines with high efficiency. No additional co-catalyst or activator is required. A variety of aldehydes and amines were used to demonstrate the versatility of the reaction.