Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide by using organocatalysts

Chiral Bifunctional Metalloporphyrin Catalysts for Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides with Carbon Dioxide

Chiral binaphthyl-strapped Zn(II) porphyrins with triazolium halide units were synthesized as bifunctional catalysts for kinetic resolution of epoxides with CO₂. Several catalysts were screened by changing the linker length and nucleophilic counteranions, and the optimized catalyst accelerated the enantioselective reaction at ambient temperature to produce optically active cyclic carbonates and epoxides.

Polymers Based on Cyclic Carbonates as Trait d'Union Between Polymer Chemistry and Sustainable CO2 Utilization

Given the large amount of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, it is advantageous to use CO₂ as feedstock for the fabrication of everyday products, such as fuels and materials. An attractive way to use CO₂ in the synthesis of polymers is by the formation of five-membered cyclic organic carbonate monomers (5CCs). The sustainability of this synthetic approach is increased by using scaffolds prepared from renewable resources. Indeed, recent years have seen the rise of various types of carbonate syntheses and applications. 5CC monomers are often polymerized with diamines to yield polyhydroxyurethanes (PHU). Foams are developed from this type of polymers; moreover, the additional hydroxyl groups in PHU, absent in classical polyurethanes, lead to coatings with excellent adhesive properties. Furthermore, carbonate groups in polymers offer the possibility of post-functionalization, such as curing reactions under mild conditions. Finally, the polarity of carbonate groups is remarkably high, so polymers with carbonates side-chains can be used as polymer electrolytes in batteries or as conductive membranes. The target of this Review is to highlight the multiple opportunities offered by polymers prepared from and/or containing 5CCs. Firstly, the preparation of several classes of 5CCs is discussed with special focus on the sustainability of the synthetic routes. Thereafter, specific classes of polymers are discussed for which the use and/or presence of carbonate moieties is crucial to impart the targeted properties (foams, adhesives, polymers for energy applications, and other functional materials).

Influence of the Counterion on the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates Catalyzed by Bifunctional Aluminum Complexes

New bifunctional aluminum complexes have been prepared with the aim of studying the effect of a counterion on the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Neutral ligand 1 was used as a precursor to obtain four novel mesylate, chloride, bromide, and iodide zwitterionic NNO ligands (2-5). The reaction of these ligands with 1 or 2 equiv of AlR₃ (R = Me, Et) allowed the synthesis of mono- and bimetallic bifunctional aluminum complexes [AlR₂(κ²-mbpzappe)]X [X = Cl, R = Me (6), Et (7); X = Br, R = Me (8), Et (9); X = I, R = Me (10), Et (11)] and [{AlR₂(κ²-mbpzappe)}(μ-O){AlR₃}]X [X = MeSO₃, R = Me (12), Et (13); X = Cl, R = Me (14), Et (15); X = Br, R = Me (16), Et (17); X = I, R = Me (18), Et (19)] via alkane elimination. These complexes were studied as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂. Iodide complex 11 showed to be the most active catalyst for terminal epoxides, whereas bromide complex 9 was found to be the optimal catalyst when internal epoxides were used, showing the importance of the nucleophile cocatalyst on the catalytic activity.

Metal-salen molecular cages as efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides under ambient conditions

A salen based molecular cage, salen@cage, was synthesized and complexed with Co and Al to yield metal-salen molecular cages, Co(ii)@cage, Co(iii)@cage and Al(iii)@cage. These cages were demonstrated to be efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 with styrene oxide, achieving full conversion at 25 °C and 1 atm CO2. Good to excellent yields of various cyclic carbonates were also achieved under mild conditions. Al(iii)@cage can be reused up to five times without any significant loss of its high catalytic activity. The capability to access a variety of heterogeneous organometallic catalysts with salen@cage offers new prospects for practical CO2 utilization and chemical manufacturing.

Selective utilization of methoxy groups in lignin for N-methylation reaction of anilines

The utilization of lignin as a feedstock to produce valuable chemicals is of great importance. However, it is a great challenge to produce pure chemicals because of the complex structure of lignin. The selective utilization of specific groups on lignin molecules offers the possibility of preparing chemicals with high selectivity, but this strategy has not attracted attention. In this work, we propose a protocol to produce methyl-substituted amines by the selective reaction of the methoxy groups of lignin and aniline compounds. It was found that LiI in the ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate could catalyze the reaction efficiently and the selectivity to the N-methylation product could be as high as 98%. Moreover, the lignin was not depolymerized in the reaction. As it was rich in hydroxyl groups, the residual material left over after the reaction was used as an efficient co-catalyst for the cycloaddition of epoxy propane with CO2, using KI as the catalyst.

Monomeric alkoxide and alkylcarbonate complexes of nickel and palladium stabilized with the iPrPCP pincer ligand: a model for the catalytic carboxylation of alcohols to alkyl carbonates

Monomeric alkoxo complexes of the type [(iPrPCP)M-OR] (M = Ni or Pd; R = Me, Et, CH2CH2OH; iPrPCP = 2,6-bis(diisopropylphosphino)phenyl) react rapidly with CO2 to afford the corresponding alkylcarbonates [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR]. We have investigated the reactions of these compounds as models for key steps of catalytic synthesis of organic carbonates from alcohols and CO2. The MOCO-OR linkage is kinetically labile, and readily exchanges the OR group with water or other alcohols (R'OH), to afford equilibrium mixtures containing ROH and [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOH] (bicarbonate) or [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR'], respectively. However, [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR] complexes are thermally stable and remain indefinitely stable in solution when these are kept in sealed vessels. The constants for the exchange equilibria have been interpreted, showing that CO2 insertion into M-O bonds is thermodynamically more favorable for M-OR than for M-OH. Alkylcarbonate complexes [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOR] fail to undergo nucleophilic attack by ROH to yield organic carbonates ROCOOR, either intermolecularly (using neat ROH solvent) or in intramolecular fashion (e.g., [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOCH2CH2OH]). In contrast, [(iPrPCP)M-OCOOMe] complexes react with a variety of electrophilic methylating reagents (MeX) to afford dimethylcarbonate and [(iPrPCP)M-X]. The reaction rates increase in the order X = OTs < IMe ≪ OTf and Ni < Pd. These findings suggest that a suitable catalyst design should combine basic and electrophilic alcohol activation sites in order to perform alkyl carbonate syntheses via direct alcohol carboxylation.

Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides with CO2 Catalyzed by a Chiral-at-Iridium Complex

Chiral-at-metal bis-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes are introduced as a new class of chiral catalysts for the reaction of epoxides with CO₂ to form cyclic carbonates under conditions of kinetic resolution. Reactions are typically performed at room temperature in the presence of 1 mol % of iridium catalyst and 1.5 mol % of tetraethylammonium bromide as the nucleophilic cocatalyst to provide selectivity factors of up to 16.6. A variety of monosubstituted epoxides, including styrene epoxide, epoxides with aliphatic side chains, glycidyl ethers, and a glycidyl ester, are found to be suitable substrates. No polymerization side reaction is observed for any of the investigated substrates.

Bifunctional silanol-based HBD catalysts for CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates

Unprecedented silanol-based bifunctional HBD catalysts with tetraalkylammonium units directly incorporated into their structures were prepared from tailor-made silanols and used in the preparation of cyclic carbonates.

Chiroptical and catalytic properties of doubly binaphthyl-strapped chiral porphyrins

Doubly (R)-binaphthyl-strapped porphyrins with methylene chains were synthesized.

Bifunctional organocatalysts for the conversion of CO2, epoxides and aryl amines to 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones

A route to synthesize 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones is developed, which is achieved through a three component reaction between CO₂, aryl amines, and epoxides with a binary organocatalytic system composed of organocatalysts and DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene).

Atomic zinc dispersed on graphene synthesized for active CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates

Zn based single atom catalyst could boost the CO₂ fixation to cyclic carbonates both economically and environmentally.

Advances in the use of CO2 as a renewable feedstock for the synthesis of polymers

Carbon dioxide offers an accessible, cheap and renewable carbon feedstock for synthesis. Current interest in the area of carbon dioxide valorisation aims at new, emerging technologies that are able to provide new opportunities to turn a waste into value. Polymers are among the most widely produced chemicals in the world greatly affecting the quality of life. However, there are growing concerns about the lack of reuse of the majority of the consumer plastics and their after-life disposal resulting in an increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. New monomers and polymers that can address these issues are therefore warranted, and merging polymer synthesis with the recycling of carbon dioxide offers a tangible route to transition towards a circular economy. Here, an overview of the most relevant and recent approaches to CO2-based monomers and polymers are highlighted with particular emphasis on the transformation routes used and their involved manifolds.

CO2 insertion into epoxides using cesium salts as catalysts at ambient pressure

Cesium salts (Cs₂CO₃, CsCl, and CsNO₃) were used for the coupling of CO₂ and epoxides.

Highly active dinuclear cobalt complexes for solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides at ambient pressure

Dinuclear Co-based catalysts are used for the coupling reaction of epoxides and CO₂ in the presence of a cocatalyst.

Sustainable Heterogeneous Catalysts for CO2 Utilization by Using Dual Ligand ZnII /CdII Metal-Organic Frameworks

Two-dimensional Zn^II /Cd^II -based dual ligand metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) {[M(CHDC)(L)]⋅H₂ O}_n involving 4-pyridyl carboxaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone (L) in combination with flexible 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (H₂ CHDC) as linkers have been synthesized by adaptable synthetic protocols including a green mechanochemical (grinding) method. Characterization, chemical/thermal stability, phase purity, and solid-state luminescent properties of both MOFs have been established by various analytical methods. Structural analysis revealed dimeric metal clusters composed of [M₂ (CHDC)₂ ]_n loops doubly pillared with L, generating a 2D framework. Both MOFs can be used as highly active solvent-free binary catalysts for CO₂ cycloaddition with epoxides in the presence of the co-catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) with good catalytic conversion in up to six catalytic cycles without significant loss of activity. The present investigation demonstrates the application of MOFs as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ utilization under moderate reaction conditions. Based on the single-crystal X-ray data, a probable mechanism for the cycloaddition reaction has also been proposed.

Diphenyl Carbonate: A Highly Reactive and Green Carbonyl Source for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates

A practical, safe, and highly efficient carbonylation system involving a diphenyl carbonate, an organocatalyst, and various diols is presented herein and produces highly valuable cyclic carbonates. In reactions with a wide range of diols, diphenyl carbonate was activated by bicyclic guanidine 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) as a catalyst, which successfully replaced highly toxic and unstable phosgene or its derivatives while maintaining the desired high reactivity. Moreover, this new system can be used to synthesize sterically demanding cyclic carbonates such as tetrasubstituted pinacol carbonates, which are not accessible via other conventional methods.

Iron(III) N,N-Dialkylcarbamate-Catalyzed Formation of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides under Ambient Conditions by Dynamic CO2 Trapping as Carbamato Ligands

Easily available and inexpensive Fe^III carbamates were employed in the solvent-free synthesis of a series of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂ at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, in the presence of a cocatalyst. Different experimental conditions (type and concentration of catalyst and cocatalyst, as well as reaction time) were investigated: Fe(O₂ CNEt₂ )₃ and NBu₄ Br acted as the best catalyst/cocatalyst combination, allowing the formation of propylene carbonate and 1,2-butylene carbonate with quantitative yield and selectivity in 24 h. According to NMR and DFT studies, the reaction proceeds with the dynamic trapping of carbon dioxide as a carbamato ligand.

A review of plasma-assisted catalytic conversion of gaseous carbon dioxide and methane into value-added platform chemicals and fuels

CO2 and CH4 contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, while the production of industrial base chemicals from natural gas resources is emerging as well. Such conversion processes, however, are energy-intensive and introducing a renewable and sustainable electric activation seems optimal, at least for intermediate-scale modular operation. The review thus analyses such valorisation by plasma reactor technologies and heterogeneous catalysis application, largely into higher hydrocarbon molecules, that is ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, etc., and organic oxygenated compounds, i.e. methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid and dimethyl ether. Focus is given to reaction pathway mechanisms, related to the partial oxidation steps of CH4 with O2, H2O and CO2, CO2 reduction with H2, CH4 or other paraffin species, and to a lesser extent, to mixtures' dry reforming to syngas. Dielectric barrier discharge, corona, spark and gliding arc sources are considered, combined with (noble) metal materials. Carbon (C), silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) as well as various catalytic supports are examined as precious critical raw materials (e.g. platinum, palladium and rhodium) or transition metal (e.g. manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper) substrates. These are applied for turnover, such as that pertinent to reformer, (reverse) water-gas shift (WGS or RWGS) and CH3OH synthesis. Time-on-stream catalyst deactivation or reactivation is also overviewed from the viewpoint of individual transient moieties and their adsorption or desorption characteristics, as well as reactivity.

Scorpionate Catalysts for Coupling CO2 and Epoxides to Cyclic Carbonates: A Rational Design Approach for Organocatalysts

Novel scorpionate-type organocatalysts capable of effectively coupling carbon dioxide and epoxides under mild conditions to afford cyclic propylene carbonates were developed. On the basis of a combined experimental and computational study, a precise mechanistic proposal was developed and rational optimization strategies were identified. The epoxide ring-opening, which requires an iodide as a nucleophile, was enhanced by utilizing an immonium functionality that can form an ion pair with iodide, making the ring-opening process intramolecular. The CO₂ activation and cyclic carbonate formation were catalyzed by the concerted action of two hydrogen bonds originating from two phenolic groups placed at the claw positions of the scorpionate scaffold. Electronic tuning of the hydrogen bond donors allowed to identify a new catalyst that can deliver >90% yield for a variety of epoxide substrates within 7 h at room temperature under a CO₂ pressure of only 10 bar, and is highly recyclable.

Amine-functionalized Zn(ii) MOF as an efficient multifunctional catalyst for CO2 utilization and sulfoxidation reaction

Herein, a zinc(ii)-based 3D mixed ligand metal organic framework (MOF) was synthesized via versatile routes including green mechanochemical synthesis. The MOF {[Zn(ATA)(L)·H2O]}n (ZnMOF-1-NH2) has been characterized by various physico-chemical techniques, including SCXRD, and composed of the bipyridyl-based Schiff base (E)-N'-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (L) and 2-aminoterephthalic acid (H2ATA) ligands as linkers. The MOF material has been explored as a multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition of alkyl and aryl epoxides with CO2 and sulfoxidation reactions of aryl sulfides. The influence of various reaction parameters is examined to optimize the performance of the catalytic reactions. It is found that solvent-free catalytic reaction conditions offer good catalytic conversion in the case of cyclic carbonates, and for sulfoxide, good conversion and selectivity are achieved in the presence of DCM as a solvent medium under ambient reaction conditions. The chemical and thermal stability of the catalyst are excellent and it is active for up to four catalytic cycles without significant loss in activity. Furthermore, based on the catalytic activity and structural evidence, a plausible mechanism for both catalytic reactions is proposed.