Environmentally Benign Chemical Conversion of CO2 into Organic Carbonates Catalyzed by Phosphonium Salts

Abstract

Quaternary phosphonium salts were proved efficient homogeneous catalysts for solvent-free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides. Propylene carbonate was produced in quantitative yield and excellent selectivity. Furthermore, a PEG-supported phosphonium salt was solidified by adding ether and cooling after reaction and recovered by a simple filtration. Hence immobilization of a phosphonium salt on PEG provides an alternative pathway for realizing homogeneous catalyst recycling.