Amino-Functional Imidazolium Ionic Liquids for CO2 Activation and Conversion to Form Cyclic Carbonate

A series of amino-functional imidazolium ionic liquids have been prepared and used as catalysts for cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxide. The reactions generated the cyclic carbonate even at room temperature under atmospheric pressure. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the propylene carbonate was yield to 98.0 % in the presence of [APbim]I, and the ionic liquids could be reused at least nine times without noticeable decrease in activity and selectivity. Besides, the reaction mechanism was proposed. Cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides catalyzed by amino-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid can achieve CO2 activation and conversion directly. The reactions generated the corresponding products even at room temperature under atmospheric pressure. Amino-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid has showed excellent catalytic activity, reusability and general applicability.