A ruthenium complex exhibiting high catalytic efficiency for the formation of propylene carbonate from carbon dioxide

A highly efficient catalyst composed of (2,2'-bipy)RuCl3(CH3OH) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is reported for the first time for the formation of propylene carbonate from carbon dioxide and propylene oxide under mild conditions (75 degrees C, 3.0 Wa). Nearly 100% selectivity and 100% yield of propylene carbonate was achieved. The catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without appreciable loss of catalytic activity, total turn over number reaching 2.04 x 10(4) after five catalytic recycles with a turnover frequency higher than 1000 h(-1). A mechanism for the reaction was proposed. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.