Ag/g-C3N4 nanocomposite: Green fabrication and its application as a catalyst in the synthesis of new series of depsipeptides as biologically active compounds and investigation on their anti-breast cancer activity

Abstract

In this study, we bring forward a green and novel eco-friendly strategy for the fabrication of Ag/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite via a fast in-situ generation method using Ferula Gummosa extracts as both stabilizer and reducing agent. Ag/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX-MAP), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After procurement and characterization, the catalytic activity of the prepared reagent was surveyed in the synthesis of a new series of depsipeptides using aspirin/ketoprofen, cyclohexyl isocyanide, and aryl aldehydes at ambient temperature in EtOH/H₂O as a green media. Taking into account the economic and environmental facets, the method bestows some advantages such as using plant extracts as green media for the preparation of Ag nanoparticles, simple work-up procedure, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, and high yields of the products. Additionally, the Ag/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite catalyst can be recycled effectually and reused several times without a substantial loss in reactivity.

Keywords: Ag nanoparticles; Aspirin; Depsipeptides; Ferula Gummosa; Green synthesis; Ketoprofen; Nanocomposite.