Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 in acetonitrile via the synergistic action of BMIMBr and electrogenerated magnesium

Using 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide (BMIMBr) as the supporting electrolyte and magnesium as the sacrificial anode, a new and highly efficient electrochemically catalytic route was developed for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. Based on the cooperative action of BMIMBr and an electrogenerated magnesium salt obtained under a N2 atmosphere, CO2 reacted with a wide range of epoxides to readily generate cyclic carbonates in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions.

Graphical AbstractEpoxides were effectively transformed to cyclic carbonates by reaction with atmospheric pressure CO2 at ambient temperature via the cooperative action of BMIMBr and an electrogenerated magnesium (EGM) salt.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide