Highly efficient chemical fixation of carbon dioxide catalyzed by high-valent tetraphenylporphyrinatotin(IV) triflate

High-valent tetraphenylporphyrinatotin(IV) triflate, [SnIV(TPP)(OTf)2], was found as an efficient catalyst for the coupling of several epoxides (linear and cyclic) with carbon dioxide in the presence of tetrabutylphosphonium bromide as co-catalyst at atmospheric pressure. The reaction temperature, kind of solvent, co-catalyst and axial ligand effect were also investigated.

Graphical abstractHigh-valent tetraphenylporphyrinatotin(IV) triflate, [SnIV(TPP)(OTf)2], was found as an efficient catalyst for the coupling of several epoxides (linear and cyclic) with carbon dioxide in the presence of tetrabutylphosphonium bromide as co-catalyst at atmospheric pressure. The reaction temperature, kind of solvent, co-catalyst and axial ligand effect were also investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Electron-deficient tin(IV)porphyrin was used as catalyst. ► Cyclic carbonates were obtained by the reaction of CO2 with epoxides. ► The reaction was carried out at atmospheric pressure.