Catalytic activity of metal organic framework Cu3(BTC)2 in the cycloaddition of CO2 to epichlorohydrin reaction

We demonstrate the novel, catalytic activity of metal organic framework of Cu-3(BTC)(2) catalysts in the synthesis of chloropropene carbonate from CO2 and epichlorohydrin. The catalysts display moderate epoxide conversions, and moderate selectivities to chloropropene carbonate at 100 degrees C. No solvents or co-catalysts were required. It is suggested that Lewis acid copper (II) sites in the Cu-3(BTC)(2) framework promoted the adsorption of carbon dioxide on the solid surface and its further conversion to the carbonate. Published by Elsevier B.V.