Direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2: Single- or multi-component catalytic systems via epoxide or halohydrin intermediate

Abstract

With dramatical rise of carbon dioxide emission leading to greenhouse effect and CO2 as an important renewable C1 source, converting CO2 to high value-added chemicals is urgent. Cyclic carbonates have wide applications, and developing an efficient catalytic system for their synthesis is very important for practical application. Direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2 is simple, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and a more economic protocol for the utilization of CO2. This review article discusses comprehensive developments regarding the protocol catalyzed by single- or multi-component catalytic systems, which are classified into transition metal and transition-metal-free ones. Transition-metal-free systems are mainly achieved through quaternary ammonium salts or ionic liquids containing halides. Besides, noble metal such as Au, Ru, Pd, Pt, non-noble metal for example Ti, Mn, Re, Cr, Mo, Co and lanthanide elements together with quaternary ammonium salts or others construct multi-component catalytic systems containing transition metal. Additionally, halohydrins or epoxides as the intermediates in the corresponding mechanisms are presented to give hints for designing single component multifunctional catalysts or developing new transformation strategies.