New bi-functional zinc catalysts based on robust and easy-to-handle N-chelating ligands for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 under mild conditions

Abstract

A series of novel zinc complexes were prepared by covalent linkage of various imidazolium-based ionic liquid moieties with the 2,2′-bipyridine ligand on the two sides of the 4,4′-position. The zinc(II) complexes containing the rigid N-chelating ligand proved to be stable, highly efficient and easy-to-handle catalysts towards the synthesis of cyclic carbonate from epoxide and CO₂ without the use of any co-catalyst or organic solvent. The catalysts can be easily recovered and reused without significant loss of activity and selectivity by control of the solvent. The kinetic study uncovered that the reaction was first-order with respect to the epoxide. Moreover, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed, in which the zinc center could promote ring-opening of the epoxide for the synergetic effect with the anion X⁻ in ILs.