Cyclic carbonate synthesis from CO2 and epoxides using zinc(II) complexes of arylhydrazones of β-diketones

•Zinc(II) complexes of arylhydrazones of β-diketones were used for the first time as catalysts in the coupling reaction between CO2 and epoxides.•The molar ratio between metal complex and TBABr was determined for maximum catalytic activity.•Catalyst showed promising reactivities and very high selectivities toward the production of cyclic carbonates.

Zinc(II) complexes of arylhydrazones of β-diketones (AHBD) were used for the first time as catalysts combined with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr), in the coupling reaction between CO2 and epoxides. The influence of pressure and temperature on cyclic carbonate formation was investigated, as well as the catalytic activity toward different substrates (e.g. styrene oxide, propylene oxide and cyclohexene oxide). The molar ratio between metal complex and TBABr was determined for maximum catalytic activity.

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