An efficient morpholinium ionic liquid based catalyst system for cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides under mild conditions

Abstract

In recent decades, global warming has affected human society greatly and drawn worldwide attention. CO2 chemical fixation was proved to be a promising methodology in slowing down the warming process, but efforts are still needed to make it more effective and green. Here in, we reported a binary catalyst system composed of morpholinium ionic liquids and zinc bromide. This catalyst could turn CO2 and epoxides into corresponding carbonates quantitatively under extremely mild conditions (R.T., atmospheric CO2 pressure). Since it was environmentally benign and could reduce the carbon footprint, this catalyst would make the cycloaddition reaction a more reliable artificial carbon sink.