Synergistic Ag(I)/nBu4NBr-catalyzed fixation of CO2 to β-oxopropyl carbonates via propargylic alcohols and monohydric alcohols

Abstract

Chemical fixation of carbon dioxide under mild reaction conditions e.g. atmospheric pressure and low temperature depends upon the ability of catalyst. Herein, a synergistic catalytic scheme of silver sulfadiazine/nBu4NBr was described for the three-component reaction of propargylic alcohols, CO2, and monohydric alcohols. This catalytic system was demonstrated effectively to provide β-oxopropyl carbonates in excellent yields (up to 99% yield with 5 mol% catalyst). The method tolerated a wide scope of propargylic alcohols and monohydric alcohols under atmospheric CO2 pressure and solvent-free conditions. The excellent catalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic catalysis confirmed by the careful experiments.