Soluble imidazolium-functionalized coordination cages for efficient homogeneous catalysis of CO2 cycloaddition reactions

Abstract

A new strategy to prepare soluble homogeneous catalysts is developed by introducing imidazolium into cationic calix[4]arene-based metal–organic cages (MOCs). The soluble MOCs show high activity and recyclability in the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ without the addition of any co-catalysts. This method provides new inspiration to design highly efficient catalysts by combining the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.