Synthesis of 6-membered cyclic carbonates from 1,3-diols and low CO2 pressure: a novel mild strategy to replace phosgene reagents

Low pressure carbon dioxide is used as the carbonation agent in a simple, safe and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 6-membered cyclic carbonates from 1,3-diols. Using readily available reagents and proceeding at room temperature, this route offers a novel mild alternative to phosgene derivatives.