A Rapid One-step Synthesis of Isoflavanone Compounds Under Microwave Irradiation

A rapid one-step synthesis of isoflavanones from salicylaldehydes and alkynes in the presence of gold(I) catalyst under microwave irradiation was developed. Various reaction conditions including catalysts, solvents, reaction time and temperature were investigated. This reaction is compatible with a variety of functional groups on salicylaldehydes or aromatic alkynes such as alkoxy, alkyl, halogen, amino, thiophenyl and pyridyl groups. NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the reaction progress and to investigate the initial step in the mechanistic pathway.