Factors affecting activation and utilization of carbon dioxide in cyclic carbonates synthesis over Cu and Mn peraza macrocyclic complexes

The catalytic activities of several Cu and Mn aza complexes for cyclic carbonate synthesis from CO2 and epoxides are reported. Nature of ligand and substitution influence the lability of metal-CO2 bonding. The mode of CO2 coordination to metal is investigated by in situ spectroscopic studies. The differences in the catalytic activities are correlated with the mode and strength of CO2 binding.