Carboxylation of Terminal Alkynes with Carbon Dioxide Catalyzed by Poly(N-Heterocyclic Carbene)-Supported Silver Nanoparticles

An N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) polymer supported silver nanoparticle catalyst system was developed. The novel nano‐composite catalyst demonstrated very high activity and excellent stability and reusability in the carboxylation of terminal alkynes with carbon dioxide at ambient conditions. The unique N‐heterocyclic carbene polymer and silver nanoparticle composite structure provided a synergistic effect on activation of terminal alkynes and carbon dioxide that contributed to the high catalytic activity. The poly‐NHC‐silver catalyst exhibited excellent substrate generality and tolerance to various functionalities. In addition, the catalyst is stable to air and moisture and can be easily recovered and reused.