Highly efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides over cellulose/KI

Cellulose/KI is a very active, selective, stable, and recyclable catalyst for the cycloaddition reactions of CO2 and epoxides due to the excellent synergetic effect of cellulose and KI. It is found that the hydroxyl groups on the vicinal carbons of cellulose play a key role for the very high efficiency of the catalyst.