Rare earth–porphyrin complex catalysts for transforming CO2 into cyclic carbonate under mild conditions

Abstract

AbstractA series of rare earth metal complexes RE(TPP)(acac) (RE = NdIII, YbIII, EuIII, ErIII, PrIII, and LuIII; TPP = 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin) were synthesized and characterized via UV–vis, IR, and elemental analyses. Their catalytic activities on the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides under different reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, and reaction time) were investigated. Catalytic reaction tests showed that the complex Lu(TPP)(acac) could significantly enhance the catalytic reactivity under mild conditions without any co‐solvent.