Editorial: Special Collection of Silver Catalysis in Organic Synthesis

Abstract

Silver for the winner! The recent advances of silver catalysis towards organic synthesis, green and sustainable technology, and energy conversion have been rapidly achieved. As a result, silver‐catalyzed reactions are routinely utilized by industry to make a variety of value‐added products. We celebrate the large number and variety of chemical transformations mediated by silver with this Special Collection.

Rapid On-Column Esterification and Separation of Carboxylic Acids in Petroleum Fractions

“…Silver-ion-modified silica gel has been a commonly used experimental material in the field of analytical chemistry, which is usually used as an adsorbent for separating different types of components in a complex matrix, relying on the complexation of silver ions with the carbon–carbon double bond, lone-pair electron, or π bond of chemical molecules, , but its chemical reactivity is rarely utilized. In fact, silver ions are typical Lewis acids, which have been proven to have a significant catalytic effect on esterification reactions. ,, …”

“…In fact, silver ions are typical Lewis acids, which have been proven to have a significant catalytic effect on esterification reactions. 18,22,23 The esterification conditions and conversion ratios were investigated through a series of comparative experiments; myristic acid was used as the reaction substrate. Table 1 exhibits the conversion ratios under four different reaction conditions (labeled as conditions A, B, C, and D).…”

Mild and Stereoselective Synthesis of (1E,3E)-Dienes through Silver(I)-Catalyzed β-Hydride Migration from Allylic α-Diazo Esters

“…13 Historically, silver salts and complexes have been considered inert compared to other transition metals, with their use as catalysts having emerged only at the beginning of the 21 st century. 14 In fact, silver(I) participates in the formation of carbenes as effectively as other well-known metals, such as Rh, Cu, Ru, Pd, Au, Fe, and Co, among others, presenting itself as an alternative to these catalysts. 15 Besides being considered nontoxic, biocompatible and stable under ambient conditions, silver reagents are much less expensive than other noble transition metals and, most importantly, may lead the reaction to proceed via distinct pathways.…”