ZnI2 /NEt3 -Catalyzed Cycloaddition of CO2 with Propargylic Alcohols: Computational Study on Mechanism

Highly Efficient Conversion of Propargylic Alcohols and Propargylic Amines with CO2 Activated by Noble-Metal-Free Catalyst Cu2 O@ZIF-8

The cyclization reactions of propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO₂ are important in industrial applications, but it was a great challenge that non-noble-metal catalysts catalyzed both reactions under mild conditions. Herein, the catalyst Cu₂ O@ZIF-8 was prepared by encapsulating Cu₂ O nanoparticles into robust ZIF-8, and it can effectively catalyze the cyclization of both propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO₂ into valuable α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones with turnover numbers (TONs) of 12.1 and 19.6, which can be recycled at least five times. The mechanisms were further uncovered by NMR, FTIR, ¹³ C isotope-labeling experiments and DFT calculations, in which Cu₂ O and DBU can synergistically activate the C≡C bond and the hydroxy/amino group of substrates. Importantly, it is the first example of a noble-metal-free catalyst that can catalyze both propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO₂ simultaneously.

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.

En Route to CO2-Based (a)Cyclic Carbonates and Polycarbonates from Alcohols Substrates by Direct and Indirect Approaches

This review is dedicated to the state-of-the art routes used for the synthesis of CO2-based (a)cyclic carbonates and polycarbonates from alcohol substrates, with an emphasis on their respective main advantages and limitations. The first section reviews the synthesis of organic carbonates such as dialkyl carbonates or cyclic carbonates from the carbonation of alcohols. Many different synthetic strategies have been reported (dehydrative condensation, the alkylation route, the “leaving group” strategy, the carbodiimide route, the protected alcohols route, etc.) with various substrates (mono-alcohols, diols, allyl alcohols, halohydrins, propargylic alcohols, etc.). The second section reviews the formation of polycarbonates via the direct copolymerization of CO2 with diols, as well as the ring-opening polymerization route. Finally, polycondensation processes involving CO2-based dimethyl and diphenyl carbonates with aliphatic and aromatic diols are described.

Novel and effective strategy of dual bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide imidazolium ionic liquid immobilized on periodic mesoporous organosilica for greener cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides

Novel periodic mesoporous organosilica supported ionic liquids were prepared, characterized and evaluated as catalysts for cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides.

Efficient transformation of CO2 into quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones at room temperature catalyzed by a ZnI2/NEt3 system

The readily available ZnI₂/NEt₃ system promotes the efficient transformation of CO₂ and 2-aminobenzonitriles into quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones at room temperature and low CO₂ pressure.

Palladium-Catalyzed Four-Component Cascade Reaction for the Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Acyclic O,O-Acetals

A palladium-catalyzed four-component cascade reaction of carbon dioxide, amines, allenyl ethers, and aryl iodides has been developed for the first time. The novel reaction allows simultaneous construction of three different new bonds (C-N, C-O, and C-C) in a single step, affording an efficient method for the synthesis of a variety of highly functionalized acyclic O,O-acetals. Excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, wide substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance are features of the method.