Silica gel supported InBr3 and InCl3: new catalysts for the facile and rapid oxidation of 2′-hydroxychalcones and flavanones to their corresponding flavones under solvent free conditions

Silica gel supported InBr3 or InCl3 (15–20 mol %) were explored as a new solid-support catalysts for the facile and efficient oxidation, under solvent free conditions, of 2′-hydroxychalcones and flavanones to yield the corresponding flavones in >80% yield. The catalysts are easily prepared, stable, and efficient under mild reaction conditions.