A DFT Study on the Mechanism of the Cycloaddition Reaction of CO2to Epoxides Catalyzed by Zn(Salphen) Complexes

Insight into the Mechanism of CO2 Chemical Fixation into Epoxides by Windmill-Shaped Polyoxovanadate and n-Bu4NX (X = Br, I)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) coupled with epoxide to generate cyclic carbonate stands out in carbon neutrality due to its 100% atom utilization. In this work, the mechanism of CO2 cycloaddition with propylene oxide (PO) cocatalyzed by windmill-shaped polyoxovanadate, [(C2N2H8)4(CH3O)4VIV4VV4O16]·4CH3OH (V8-1), and n-Bu4NX (X = Br, I) was thoroughly investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ring-opening, CO2-insertion, and ring-closing steps of the process were extensively studied. Our work emphasizes the synergistic effect between V8-1 and n-Bu4NX (X = Br, I). Through the analysis of an independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH), it was found that the attack of n-Bu4NX (X = Br, I) on Cβ of PO triggers a distinct attractive interaction between the active fragment and the surrounding framework, serving as the primary driving force for the ring opening of PO. Furthermore, the effect of different cocatalysts was explored, with n-Bu4NI being more favorable than n-Bu4NBr. Moreover, the role of V8-1 in the CO2 cycloaddition reaction was clarified as not only acting as Lewis acid active sites but also serving as "electron sponges". This work is expected to advance the development of novel catalysts for organic carbonate formation.

Unravelling the Mechanism of CO2 Activation: Insights Into Metal-Metal Cooperativity and Spin-Orbit Coupling with {3d-4f} Catalysts

Converting CO2 into useful chemicals using metal catalysts is a significant challenge in chemistry. Among the various catalysts reported, transition metal lanthanide hybrid {3d-4f} complexes stand out for their superior efficiency and site selectivity. However, unlike transition metal catalysts, understanding the origin of this efficiency in lanthanides poses a challenge due to their orbital degeneracy, rendering the application of DFT methods ineffective. In this study, we employed a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO calculations to explore the mechanism of CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonate using a 3d-4f heterometallic catalyst for the first time. This work unveils the importance of 3d and 4f metal cooperativity and the role of individual spin-orbit states in dictating the overall efficiency of the catalyst.

Catalytic Strategies for the Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides in Aqueous Media to Enhance the Activity and Recyclability of Molecular Organocatalysts

The cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to afford versatile and useful cyclic carbonate compounds is a highly investigated method for the nonreductive upcycling of CO2. One of the main focuses of the current research in this area is the discovery of readily available, sustainable, and inexpensive catalysts, and of catalytic methodologies that allow their seamless solvent-free recycling. Water, often regarded as an undesirable pollutant in the cycloaddition process, is progressively emerging as a helpful reaction component. On the one hand, it serves as an inexpensive hydrogen bond donor (HBD) to enhance the performance of ionic compounds; on the other hand, aqueous media allow the development of diverse catalytic protocols that can boost catalytic performance or ease the recycling of molecular catalysts. An overview of the advances in the use of aqueous and biphasic aqueous systems for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides is provided in this work along with recommendations for possible future developments.

Prediction of the capture and utilization of atmospheric acidic gases by azo-based square-pillared fluorinated MOFs

More than the permissible limit of acidic gases like CO2, SO2, and NO2 in the atmosphere are responsible for the formation of acid rain, the greenhouse effect and many other undesirable environmental hazards. So, the capture and utilization of these gases are essential for mankind. Herein, we proposed an azo-based square pillared MOF, [Ni(MF5)(1,2-bis(4-pyridy)diazene)2]n, with the CUS metal site, i.e. M = Al/Fe, for the selective capture and conversion of acidic gas molecules into commodity chemicals such as cyclic carbonate, sulphite and nitrite. With the aid of Density Functional Theory (DFT), [Ni(MF5)(1,2-bis(4-pyridy)diazene)2]n has been optimized, and the specific force field is derived via guest-host interaction. The Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation has been used to explore the guest-host interactions over a wide range of pressures, and their respective stability under pre-humidification is evaluated. The adsorption prediction reveals that MFFIVE-Ni-apy have a higher adsorptive capacity (37.1 mmol g-1), and especially ALFFIVE-Ni-apy possesses a higher affinity towards guest molecules (CO2, SO2) rather than FEFFIVE-Ni-apy. Additionally, the adsorption of gases in the presence of humidity reveals that ALFFIVE-Ni-apy has an optimal adsorption capacity for all investigated acidic gases even at 38.5 RH%. The absorbed acidic gases on MFFIVE-Ni-apy were used for the theoretical investigations on cycloaddition with the aid of DFT as an application perspective of the toxic gases instead of expelling into atmosphere. The Climbing Image Nudged Elastic Band (CI-NEB) approach was used to discover the transition state in this scenario, in which the cycloaddition of adsorbed CO2, SO2, and NO2 gases with epoxides leads to the formation of cyclic carbonates, sulphites, and nitrates, respectively.

Halogen Bonding in the Decoration of Secondary Coordination Sphere of Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Complexes: Catalytic Application in Cycloaddition Reaction of CO2 with Epoxides

Three new zinc(II) complexes [Zn(H2L3)2(H2O)3] (Zn2), [Zn(H3L2a)(H2O)3]n (Zn3) (H3L2a = 2,4-diiodo-5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)isophthalate) and [Zn(HL4)(DMF)(H2O)]n (Zn4) were synthesized by the reaction of Zn(II) salts with 5-(2-(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ylidene)hydrazineyl) isophthalic acid (H3L3), 2,4,6-triiodo-5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl) isophthalic acid (H5L2) (in the presence of NH2OH·HCl) and 5-(2-(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ylidene)hydrazineyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (H3L4), respectively. According to the X-ray structural analysis, the intramolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bond ring remains intact, with N···O distances of 2.562(5) and 2.573(5) Å in Zn2, 2.603(6) Å in Zn3, and 2.563(8) Å in Zn4. In the crystal packing of Zn3, the cooperation of I···O and I···I types of halogen bonds between tectons leads to a one-dimensional supramolecular polymer, while I···O interactions aggregate 1D chains of coordination polymer Zn4. These new complexes (Zn2, Zn3, and Zn4) and known [Zn(H3L1)(H2O)2]n (Zn1) (H3L1 = 5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene) hydrazineyl)isophthalate), {[Zn(H3L1)(H2O)3]·3H2O}n (Zn5), [Cd(H3L1)(H2O)2]n (Cd1), {[Cd(HL3)(H2O)2(DMF)]·H2O}n (Cd2), [Cd(H3L3)]n (Cd-3), {[Cd2(μ-H2O)2(μ-H2L4)2(H2L4)2]·2H2O}n (Cd4), and {[Cd(H3L1)(H2O)3]·4H2O}n (Cd5) were tested as catalysts in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides in the presence of tetrabutylammonium halides as the cocatalyst. The halogen-bonded catalyst Zn4 is the most efficient one in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide by affording a high yield (85-99%) of cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions after 48 h at 40 bar and 80 °C.

Computational predictions on Brønsted acidic ionic liquid-catalyzed carbon dioxide conversion to five-membered heterocyclic carbonyl derivatives

Experimentally conducted reactions between CO₂ and various substrates (i.e., ethylenediamine (EDA), ethanolamine (ETA), ethylene glycol (EG), mercaptoethanol (ME), and ethylene dithiol (EDT)) are considered in a computational study. The reactions were previously conducted under harsh conditions utilizing toxic metal catalysts. We computationally utilize Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (IL) [Et₂NH₂]HSO₄ as a catalyst aiming to investigate and propose 'greener' pathways for future experimental studies. Computations show that EDA is the best to fixate CO₂ among the tested substrates: the nucleophilic EDA attack on CO₂ is calculated to have a very small energy barrier to overcome (TS1EDA, ΔG^‡ = 1.4 kcal mol^-1) and form I1EDA (carbamic acid adduct). The formed intermediate is converted to cyclic urea (PEDA, imidazolidin-2-one) via ring closure and dehydration of the concerted transition state (TS2EDA, ΔG^‡ = 32.8 kcal mol^-1). Solvation model analysis demonstrates that nonpolar solvents (hexane, THF) are better for fixing CO₂ with EDA. Attaching electron-donating and -withdrawing groups to EDA does not reduce the energy barriers. Modifying the IL via changing the anion part (HSO₄^-) central S atom with 6 A and 5 A group elements (Se, P, and As) shows that a Se-based IL can be utilized for the same purpose. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that the IL ion pairs can hold substrates and CO₂ molecules via noncovalent interactions to ease nucleophilic attack on CO₂.

Poly(ionic liquid)s for Photo-Driven CO2 Cycloaddition: Electron Donor-Acceptor Segments Matter

CO₂ cycloaddition with epoxides is a key catalytic procedure for CO₂ utilization. Several metal-based catalysts with cocatalysts are developed for photo-driven CO₂ cycloaddition, while facing difficulties in product purification and continuous reaction. Here, poly(ionic liquid)s are proposed as metal-free catalysts for photo-driven CO₂ cycloaddition without cocatalysts. A series of poly(ionic liquid)s with donor-acceptor segments are fabricated and their photo-driven catalytic performance (conversion rate of 83.5% for glycidyl phenyl ether) outstrips (≈4.9 times) their thermal-driven catalytic performance (17.2%) at the same temperature. Mechanism studies confirm that photo-induced charge separation is promoted by the donor-acceptor segments and can accelerate the CO₂ cycloaddition reaction. This work paves the way for the further use of poly(ionic liquid)s as catalysts in photo-driven CO₂ cycloaddition.

Group 13 salphen compounds (In, Ga and Al): a comparison of their structural features and activities as catalysts for cyclic carbonate synthesis

Many complexes based on group 13 elements have been successfully applied as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂ and to date these have provided some of the most active catalysts developed. It is notable that most reports have focused on the use of aluminium-based compounds likely because of the well-established Lewis acidity of this element and its cost. In comparison, relatively little attention has been paid to the development of catalysts based on the heavier group 13 elements, despite their known Lewis acidic properties. This study describes the synthesis of aluminium, gallium and indium compounds supported by a readily prepared salphen ligand and explores both their comparative structures and also their potential as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates. In addition, the halide ligand which forms a key part of the compound has been systematically varied and the effect of this change on the structure and catalytic activity is also discussed. It is demonstrated that the indium compounds are actually, and unexpectedly, the most active for cyclic carbonate synthesis, despite their lower Lewis acidity when compared to their aluminium congeners. The experimental observations from this work are fully supported by a Density Functional Theory (DFT) study, which provides important insights into the reasons as to why the indium catalyst with bromide, [InBr(salphen)], is most active.

Organocatalytic Polymers from Affordable and Readily Available Building Blocks for the Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides

The catalytic cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides to afford cyclic carbonates as useful monomers, intermediates, solvents, and additives is a continuously growing field of investigation as a way to carry out the atom-economic conversion of CO₂ to value-added products. Metal-free organocatalytic compounds are attractive systems among various catalysts for such transformations because they are inexpensive, nontoxic, and readily available. Herein, we highlight and discuss key advances in the development of polymer-based organocatalytic materials that match these requirements of affordability and availability by considering their synthetic routes, the monomers, and the supports employed. The discussion is organized according to the number (monofunctional versus bifunctional materials) and type of catalytically active moieties, including both halide-based and halide-free systems. Two general synthetic approaches are identified based on the postsynthetic functionalization of polymeric supports or the copolymerization of monomers bearing catalytically active moieties. After a review of the material syntheses and catalytic activities, the chemical and structural features affecting catalytic performance are discussed. Based on such analysis, some strategies for the future design of affordable and readily available polymer-based organocatalysts with enhanced catalytic activity under mild conditions are considered.

Insight into the Varying Reactivity of Different Catalysts for CO2 Cycloaddition into Styrene Oxide: An Experimental and DFT Study

The cycloaddition of CO₂ into epoxides to form cyclic carbonates is a highly sought-after reaction for its potential to both reduce and use CO₂, which is a greenhouse gas. In this paper, we present experimental and theoretical studies and a mechanistic approach for three catalytic systems. First, as Lewis base catalysts, imidazole and its derivatives, then as a Lewis acid catalyst, ZnI₂ alone, and after that, the combined system of ZnI₂ and imidazole. In the former, we aimed to discover the reasons for the varied reactivities of five Lewis base catalysts. Furthermore, we succeeded in reproducing the experimental results and trends using DFT. To add, we emphasized the importance of non-covalent interactions and their role in reactivity. In our case, the presence of a hydrogen bond was a key factor in decreasing the reactivity of some catalysts, thus leading to lower conversion rates. Finally, mechanistically understanding this 100% atom economy reaction can aid experimental chemists in designing better and more efficient catalytic systems.

Understanding the effect of the divalent cations (Ni, Cu, and Zn) exchanged FAU zeolite on the kinetic of CO2 cycloaddition with ethylene oxide: A DFT study

Epoxide ring opening and cycloaddition with CO₂ is one of the promising routes to convert CO₂ to more valuable industrial chemicals. In this work, density functional theory calculations with the M06-L/6-31G(d,p) level of theory have been employed to study the cycloaddition of ethylene oxide (EO) with CO₂ over M(II)-faujasite zeolite (M = Ni, Cu, and Zn) in the absence of a co-catalyst. The influence of the exchanged metals strongly dominates the adsorption of EO. The binding energies of EO on the active site are -39.9 (Ni-FAU), -24.2 (Cu-FAU), and -35.0 (Zn-FAU) kcal/mol, respectively. The reaction mechanism is proposed to occur via the concerted mechanism, in which the metals initiate the EO ring opening and the formation of two new C-O bonds between the adsorbed EO and CO₂ proceed in a single step. The activation energy of the reaction catalyzed by Cu-FAU is 24.2 kcal/mol whereas that of Ni and Zn-FAU is found to be 31.1 and 31.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Moderate adsorption of EO and a larger electron transfer at the transition state are the important keys that reduce the activation energy for the Cu-FAU lower than in the other systems.

Ionic Conjugated Polymers as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide to Epoxides to Form Carbonates under Solvent- and Cocatalyst-Free Conditions

The generation of cyclic carbonates by the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides is attractive in the industry, by which CO₂ is efficiently used as C1 source. Herein, a series of catalysts were developed to efficient mediate the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides to generate carbonates. The catalysts were easily synthesized via the amine-formaldehyde condensation of ethidium bromide with a variety of linkers. The newly prepared heterogeneous catalysts have high thermal stability and degradation temperatures. The surface of the catalysts is smooth and spherical in shape. The effect of temperature, pressure, reaction time and catalyst dosage on the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxide were investigated. The results show that the catalyst with 1,3,5-tris(4-formylphenyl)benzene as the linker can achieve 97.4 % conversion efficiency at the conditions of 100 °C, reaction time of 12 h, and the reaction pressure of 1.2 MPa in a solvent-free environment. Notably, the polymers serve as homogeneous catalysts during the reaction (reaction temperature above T_g ) and can be separated and recovered easily as homogeneous catalysts at room temperature. In addition, the catalyst is not only suitable for a wide range of epoxide substrates, but also can be recycled many times. Furthermore, DFT calculations show that the coordination between the electrophilic center of the catalyst and the epoxide reduces the energy barrier, and the reaction mechanism is proposed based on the reaction kinetic studies and DFT calculations.

Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activities of Two Multi-Rh-Decorated Polyoxometalates

Two multi-Rh-incorporated polyoxometalates [NH₂(CH₃)₂]₁₀[Na₄(H₂O)₈]H₃[As₄W₄₂O₁₄₂(OH)₄(CH₃COO)₂Rh₃(H₂O)₄]·13H₂O·4[NH(CH₃)₂] (1) and [K₄Na(H₂O)₆]KH₁₀[As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀Rh₄(H₂O)₄]·34H₂O (2) have been synthesized in acetate buffer solution. Polyanion 1a is built up atop of an acetate-modified rectangular framework [As₄W₄₂O₁₄₂(OH)₄(CH₃COO)₂]^26-, while polyanion 2a contains a pure inorganic cryptand [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]^28-. All Rh atoms of these two compounds share the same hexa-coordinate distorted-octahedral geometry and are embedded into their cavities through As-Rh bonding with a bond length around 2.304(4)-2.436(5) Å. Besides, they not only represent structural novelty but also demonstrate controllable proton conduction properties. Catalysts 1 and 2 can catalyze cycloaddition of epoxides with CO₂ in a solvent-free system in conjunction with 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide.

Basically, nucleophilicity matters little: towards unravelling the supramolecular driving forces in enzyme-like CO2 conversion

The reaction mechanism for the cycloaddition of CO₂ to styrene oxide in the presence of macrocyclic pseudopeptides has been studied using DFT methods. Computational calculations indicate that the unprecedented catalytic behaviour previously observed experimentally, in which the most reactive species was not the most nucleophilic but the most basic one, can be associated to the tight cooperativity between several supramolecular interactions promoted by simple peptidomimetics able to display a synzymatic behaviour. This bizarre catalytic performance afforded remarkable conversions of a sluggish substrate like styrene oxide into the desired cyclic carbonate, even under relatively mild reaction conditions, opening the way for the practical use of CO₂ as a raw material in the preparation of valuable chemicals. Furthermore, the remote modification of essential structural features of the macrocycle (synzyme engineering) permitted the driving forces of the synzymatic system to be analyzed, stressing the crucial synergic effect between an elegantly preorganized oxyanion hole and additional aromatic interactions.

Dynamic Metal-Iodide Bonds in a Tetracoordinated Cadmium-Based Metal-Organic Framework Boosting Efficient CO2 Cycloaddition under Solvent- and Cocatalyst-Free Conditions

Due to the inherent thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO₂, heterogeneous catalytic conversion of CO₂ to cyclic carbonates often requires harsh operating conditions, high temperature and high pressure, and the addition of cocatalysts. Therefore, the development of efficient heterogeneous catalysts under cocatalyst-free and mild conditions for CO₂ conversion has always been a challenge. Herein, an infrequent tetracoordinated Cd-MOF was synthesized and used to catalyze CO₂ cycloaddition reactions efficiently without the addition of any cocatalyst, and its catalytic mechanism was systematically investigated through a series of experiments, including fluorescence analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Cd-MOF features a 3D supermolecule structure with 1D 11.6 × 7.7 Ų channels, and the abundant Lewis acid/base and I^- sites located in the confined channel boost efficient CO₂ conversion with a maximum yield of 98.2% and a turnover number value of 1080.11 at 60 °C and 0.5 MPa, far surpassing most pristine MOF-based catalytic systems. A combined experimental and DFT calculation demonstrates that the exposed Cd(II) Lewis acid sites rapidly participate in coordination to activate the epoxides, and the resulting large steric hindrance facilitates leaving of the coordinated iodide ions in a reversibly dynamic fashion convenient for the rate-determining step ring-opening as a strong nucleophile. Such a pristine MOF catalyst with self-independent catalytic ring-opening overcomes the complicated operation limitation of the traditional cocatalyst-free MOF systems based on encapsulating/postmodifying cocatalysts, providing a whole new strategy for the development of simple, green, and efficient heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ cycloaddition.

Mechanistic study on the coupling reaction of CO2 with propylene oxide catalyzed by (CH3 )4 PI·MgCl2

The mechanistic study of CO₂ coupling with propylene oxide (PO) into cyclic carbonate catalyzed by (CH₃ )₄ PI has been investigated using the B₃ LYP/6-311++G (d, p)/B₃ LYP/6-31G (d) level of theory for non-iodine atoms and LANL2DZ was used, together with its associated basis set for the iodine atom. Two hypothetical reaction mechanisms were proposed for the studied reaction and thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were computed for each step to determine the more favorable route. The density functional theory (DFT) study reveals that the reaction prefers to proceed through a three-step mechanism (pathway II) than a tri-molecular intermediate (pathway I) where the CO₂ and the catalyst act simultaneously on the PO ring. The rate-determining step of the catalytic reaction is found to be the ring-opening step with an energy barrier of 27.1 kcal/mol (pathway II) in the gas phase, which is kinetically more favorable than that of non-catalytic CO₂ fixation with a relatively higher barrier of 63.7 kcal/mol. The synergetic effect of MgCl₂ is tested as a cocatalyst for the (CH₃ )₄ PI/MgCl₂ catalyzed reaction and it gave a better result and minimized the activation energy for the reaction and the rate-determining step was the ring closure with the free energy of activation 18.8 kcal/mol in the gas phase. The polarizable continuum model was used to account for the solvent effect, obtaining the best results of 23.1 kcal/mol in water for pathway I and 16.5 kcal/mol and 14.9 kcal/mol in dimethyl sulfoxide for pathway II and binary system, respectively.

Efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 under ambient conditions over Zn(betaine)2Br2: experimental and theoretical studies

It is very interesting to synthesize high value-added chemicals from CO₂ under mild conditions with low energy consumption. Here, we report that a novel catalyst, Zn(betaine)₂Br₂, can efficiently promote the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides to synthesize cyclic carbonates under ambient conditions (30 °C, 1 atm). DFT calculations provide important insights into the mechanism, particularly the unusual synergistic catalytic action of Zn²⁺, Br^- and NR⁴⁺, which is the critical factor for the outstanding performance of Zn(betaine)₂Br₂. The unique features of the catalyst are that it is cheap, green and very easy to prepare.

Heterobimetallic rare earth metal-zinc catalysts for reactions of epoxides and CO2 under ambient conditions

Four homodinuclear rare earth metal (RE) complexes 1-4 bearing a multidentate diglycolamine-bridged bis(phenolate) ligand were synthesized. In addition, seven heterobimetallic RE-Zn complexes 5-11 were prepared through a one-pot strategy. In these heterobimetallic complexes, two RE centers are bridged by either Zn(OAc)₂ or Zn(OBn)₂ moieties. All complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (in the case of diamagnetic complexes 1, 4, 7 and 11). Moreover, the multi-nuclear structures of complexes 4 and 11 in solution were also studied by ¹H DOSY spectroscopy. These complexes were applied in catalyzing the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) with epoxides. Zn(OAc)₂- and Zn(OBn)₂-bridged heterobimetallic complexes showed comparable catalytic activities under ambient conditions and were more active than monometallic RE complexes. Significant synergistic effect in heterobimetallic complexes is observed. Mono-substituted epoxides were converted into cyclic carbonates under 1 atm CO₂ at 25 °C in 88-96% yields, whereas di-substituted epoxides reacted under 1 atm CO₂ at higher temperatures in 40-80% yields.

Bifunctional Catalysts Containing Zn(II) and Imidazolium Salt Ionic Liquids for Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide

Zn(II) can efficiently promote the catalytic performance of imidazolium salt ionic liquids (imi-ILs) for the chemical fixation of CO₂ into epoxides. To obtain sustainability, immobilized bifunctional catalysts containing both imi-ILs and Zn(II) were prepared using bimodal mesoporous silica (BMMs) as carrier, through grafting of Zn(OAc)₂ and 1-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Si-imi) separately in the nanopores. The catalysts, named as BMMs-Zn&ILs, were identified as efficient catalysts for cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ into epoxides under solvent-free conditions. BMMs-Zn&ILs showed good catalytic activity, which increased with the increase of the molar ratio of Zn(II) to Si-imi. As a comparison, different catalytic systems including homogeneous imi-IL, BMMs-ILs and BMMs-Zn were studied to demonstrate different cooperation behaviors. Furthermore, the kinetics studies of homogeneous and heterogeneous bifunctional catalysts were employed to confirm the differences, as well as to support the proposed cooperative catalysis mechanism in the nanopores.

Mechanistic insights on CO2 utilization using sustainable catalysis

Caffeinium halides were used to catalyse the cycloaddition of CO2 to form cyclic carbonates. The reaction intermediates were isolated and characterized experimentally. The reaction mechanism has been confirmed by DFT calculations.

An octahedral cobalt(iii) complex based on cheap 1,2-phenylenediamine as a bifunctional metal-templated hydrogen bond donor catalyst for fixation of CO2 with epoxides under ambient conditions

An octahedral cobalt(iii) complex based on cheap 1,2-phenylenediamine operates as an efficient bifunctional hydrogen bond donor catalyst in cycloaddition of epoxides with CO₂ under ambient conditions and solvent- and co-catalyst-free conditions.

Structures and mechanisms of CO2 cycloaddition with styrene oxide on bimetallic M–Cu–BTC MOFs (M = Mg, Ca, Al, and Ga): a DFT study

The Al–Cu–BTC catalyst having the strongest interaction with the SO molecule is the most promising catalyst for the conversion of CO₂ to cyclic carbonate.

Rapid conversion of CO2 and propylene oxide into propylene carbonate over acetic acid/KI under relatively mild conditions

The catalytic system of acetic acid/KI was studied to demonstrate high activity for completely converting propylene oxide into propylene carbonate within a quite short time of 15 min under the relatively mild conditions of 0.9 MPa CO2 and 90 °C.

Salen-type aluminum and zinc complexes as two-faced Janus compounds: contribution to molecular sensing and polymerization catalysis

The aim of the present review is to highlight the most recent achievements in different fields of application of salen-based zinc and aluminum complexes. More specifically this article focuses on the use of aluminum and zinc salen-type complexes as optical probes for biologically relevant molecules, as catalysts for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters and co-polymerization of epoxides and anhydrides (ROCOP) and in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2). The intention is to provide an overview of the most recent results from our group within the framework of the state-of-art-results in the literature.

Unlocking the Potential of Substrate-Directed CO2 Activation and Conversion: Pushing the Boundaries of Catalytic Cyclic Carbonate and Carbamate Formation

The unparalleled potential of substrate-induced reactivity modes in the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and alcohol or amine functionalized epoxides is discussed in relation to more conventional epoxide/CO₂ coupling strategies. This conceptually new approach allows for a substantial extension of the substitution degree and functionality of cyclic carbonate/carbamate products, which are predominant products in the area of nonreductive CO₂ transformations. Apart from the creation of an advanced library of CO₂ -based heterocyclic products and intermediates, also the underlying mechanistic reasons for this novel reactivity profile are debated with a prominent role for the design and structure of the involved catalysts.