Efficient Fixation of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonates Under Mild Conditions Catalyzed by Deep Eutectic Solvent

The fixation of CO2 into valuable chemicals under mild conditions is of great importance. Here, we reported an efficient and mild method for the cycloaddition of CO2 to cyclic carbonates. Iodized salt of DBU was used as hydrogen-bonding acceptor, 4-methoxyphenol was employed as hydrogen-bonding donor, and deep eutectic solvent was synthesized and characterized by NMR, FI-IR and thermogravimetric analysis. Optimization of the reaction conditions catalyzed by the deep eutectic solvent was performed, a series of epoxides have been converted to the corresponding products with excellent yields under the optimized conditions. The reaction kinetics for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates was investigated, in addition, excellent recovery performance of the catalyst was obtained after recycling for 5 times. Comparing with the literature reported, the method was much milder and efficient simultaneously. This work provides a promising way to the fixation of CO2. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

An efficient and mild method for the cycloaddition of CO2 to cyclic carbonates is reported. Iodized salt of DBU is used as hydrogen-bonding acceptor, 4-methoxyphenol is employed as hydrogen-bonding donor, and deep eutectic solvent is synthesized and characterized. The method is milder and more efficient than the literature reported.