Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides or olefins and CO2 catalyzed by metal-organic frameworks and quaternary ammonium salts

Catalytic properties of the metal-organic framework Cr-MIL-101 in solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates using tetrabutylammonium bromide as co-catalyst have been explored under mild reaction conditions (8 bar CO2, 25 0C). Styrene and propylene carbonates were formed with high yields (95% and 82%, respectively). Catalytic performance of Cr-MIL-101 was compared with other MOFs: Fe-MIL-101, Zn-MOF-5 and HKUST-1. The catalytic properties of different quaternary ammonium bromides, Cr-MIL-101 as well as PW12/Cr-MIL-101 composite material have been assessed in oxidative carboxylation of styrene in the presence of both tert-butyl hydroperoxide and H2O2 as oxidants at 8–100 bar CO2 and 25–80 0C with selectivity to styrene carbonate up to 44% at 57% substrate conversion.