Cobalt-catalyzed carbonylation of epoxides to β-lactones promoted by gallium porphyrin

Oxophilic Ga(III) porphyrin complexes were developed to replace Al(III) or toxic Cr(III) complexes as the Lewis acid catalyst to achieve the Co-catalyzed carbonylation of epoxides to beta-lactones. Its performance is comparable to the state-of-the-art catalyst systems consisting of Al(III) or Cr(III). Large-scale reaction using the combination of (TPP)GaCl and Co2(CO)8 in low loading revealed its potential application for the preparation of beta-butyr-olactone from propylene oxide and CO.

Automated summary

Oxophilic Ga(III) porphyrin complexes were developed as a replacement for Al(III) or toxic Cr(III) complexes in the Lewis acid catalyzed carbonylation of epoxides to beta-lactones. The complexes showed comparable performance to state-of-the-art catalyst systems consisting of Al(III) or Cr(III). Large-scale reactions using (TPP)GaCl and Co2(CO)8 in low loading demonstrated the potential application of the complexes in the preparation of beta-butyr-olactone from propylene oxide and CO.