Synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones/2-imidazolidinones from CO2, different epoxides and amino alcohols/alkylene diamines using Br-Ph3+P-PEG600-P+Ph3Br- as homogenous recyclable catalyst

Syntheses of various 2-oxazolidinones/2-imidazolidinones were carried out using polyethylene glycol functionalized phosphonium salt as an efficient homogenous recyclable catalyst via sequential addition of CO2, different epoxides and amino alcohols/alkylene diamines. The effects of various reaction parameters such as temperature, reaction time and catalyst concentration were investigated in detail. The catalyst was readily separated and reused. Excellent yields of 2-oxazolidinones/2-imidazolidinones and higher conversion of cyclic carbonates were observed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.