Catalytic fluoride triggers dehydrative oxazolidinone synthesis from CO2

Abstract

Herein, catalytic fluoride (F−) is demonstrated to be a trigger for dehydrative immobilization of atmospheric pressure CO2, such that reaction of CO2 with β-amino alcohols derived from natural amino acids gives optically pure oxazolidinones in high yields. A synergistic combination of fluoride and organosilicon agents (e.g., Bu4NF + Ph3SiF or siloxanes) enhances the catalytic activity and functional group compatibility. This system lies at the interface between homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis, and may prove useful for the development of recoverable/reusable siloxane-based CO2 immobilization materials.