Microwave assisted preparation of quaternized chitosan catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides

An efficient method of utilizing microwave irradiation for the quaternization of chitosan (QCHT) has been investigated. QCHT catalysts have been characterized by various physicochemical methods such as FT-IR, XRD, XPS, TGA, EDS, SEM, EA, and BET. They exhibited excellent activity for the solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE). The influences of alkyl chain length and anion of the QCHT catalyst on the cycloaddition reactivity were studied. The effects of reaction parameters such as catalyst amount, reaction time, temperature, and CO2 pressure were also investigated. QCHT prepared by microwave irradiation exhibited higher catalytic activity than the conventional QCHT.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new rapid route of catalyst synthesis utilizing microwave radiation
► Quaternized chitosan catalysts (QCHT) for cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides
► Influence of alkyl chain length and the role of anions in the QCHT catalyst system
► QCHT catalysts enhanced the catalysis by itself rather than acting merely as a support.
► Material usage and route for catalyst synthesis make system rapid and green.