One-pot stepwise synthesis of cyclic carbonates directly from olefins with CO2 promoted by K2S2O8/NaBr

Abstract

Efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins using K2S2O8 as oxidant and NaBr as “bromination” reagent has been developed through a reaction sequence involving hydroxybromination of olefins and subsequent carboxylation of the bromohydrin in situ generated with CO2. This process provides a novel and convenient access to cyclic carbonates in a one-pot stepwise fashion. Representative olefins with different functional groups could react smoothly under relatively mild (3MPa, 60°C) and transition metal-free conditions to afford various cyclic carbonates.