Cu(i)-containing MOF as an efficient catalyst for the reactions of carbon dioxide and propargylic alcohols to form carbonates at room temperature

Abstract

In this work, a novel Cu(I)-containing metal organic framework named [Cu^I]-Cu-BTC was easily synthesized via incorporating Cu(I) active sites onto the surface of Cu-BTC by in situ templated electrosynthesis using an ionic liquid system as the electrolyte. Using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]) as the base, the [Cu^I]-Cu-BTC/[Emim][OAc] system showed efficient catalytic activity for the reactions of CO₂ and propargylic alcohols under mild conditions, and high yields of α-alkylene cyclic carbonates were obtained. Moreover, the [Cu^I]-Cu-BTC/[Emim][OAc] system could be easily separated after the reaction and reused at least five times without obvious loss of catalytic activity. The Cu(I) and [OAc]⁻ played synergistic roles in activating the CC and hydroxyl groups in the propargylic alcohols, resulting in the excellent performance of [Cu^I]-Cu-BTC/[Emim][OAc].