Ytterbium(III) Triflate: An Efficient and Simple Catalyst for Isomerization of 2′-Hydroxychalcone and 2′-Aminochalcones in Ionic Liquid

Isomerization of 2'-hydroxychalcone and 2'-aminochalcone have been investigated using ytterbium( III) trifluromethanesulfonate {Yb(OTf)(3)} (30 mol %) as Lewis acid catalyst in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid. The effect of different metal triflates as Lewis acid, catalyst loading and reaction media was studied for this isomerization reaction. Advantages of the methodology include short reaction time, excellent yields, catalytic use of Lewis acid, and recovery and reuse of the catalyst.