Immobilization of cationic Al(III) salen in the interlayers of montmorillonite clay for the synthesis of cyclic carbonate

•Montmorillonite type of clay as an efficient support for cationic Al(III) salen complex•Easy immobilization of Al(III) salen complex in single step by cation exchange method•Good catalytic activity in cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides under heterogeneous condition•High degree of catalyst recyclability and easy separation of products

Cationic Al(III) salen complex immobilized in the interlayer of montmorillonite clay 1-Mont (0.25 mol%) was used as an effective immobilized catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from various epoxides at atmospheric pressure with excellent conversion (99%), selectivity (99%) and high degree of catalyst recyclability.

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