Hydroxy-containing ionic liquids as catalysts in the synthesis of organic carbonates from epoxides and CO2

Abstract

Hydroxy-containing ionic liquids such as triethyl(3-hydroxypropyl)ammonium, 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-methylimidazolium, 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylimidazolium, and 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)pyridinium chlorides were used as catalysts for the addition of carbon dioxide to epoxides, which gives cyclic carbonates. The effect of CO2 pressure and reaction temperature on the conversion of epoxides, as well as a promoting effect of inorganic substrates were studied.