Sc and Zn-catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides

Scandium can efficiently catalyze the solventless reaction of terminal epoxides with carbon dioxide in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to give the corresponding five-membered cyclic carbonates in very high yields. Metal-exchanged montmorillonites proved to be an excellent and highly effective solution for the immobilization of Sc and Zn in this reaction.

Graphical abstractScandium and zinc can efficiently catalyze the solventless reaction of terminal epoxides with carbon dioxide in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to give the corresponding five-membered cyclic carbonates in very high yields.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide