The development of a novel HAuCl4@MOF catalyst and its catalytic application in the formation of dihydrochalcones.

A novel HAuCl4@UiO-66-NH2 material has been obtained and utilized as a heterogeneous Au(III) catalyst. This Au(III) catalyst was able to promote the formation of a variety of dihydrochalcones starting from 2H-chromenes in moderate to good yields. A tandem hydride shift/hydration reaction sequence has been proposed based on deuterium labeling studies, which revealed a 1,5-hydride shift reaction pathway. A flavone intermediate has been synthesized to further support the proposed mechanism. Furthermore, the HAuCl4@UiO-66-NH2 catalyst can be recycled several times without compromising the catalytic activity.