CuI-anchored porous covalent organic frameworks for highly efficient conversion of propargylic amines with CO2 from flue gas

Abstract

The utilization of CO₂ from flue gas as a C1 feedstock for the catalytic synthesis of high-valued oxazolidinones is highly important but challenging due to the low CO₂ concentration and high activation barrier for CO₂. Herein, we present an efficient and stable Cu^I-anchored porous covalent organic framework Cu^I@TpBD-COF for effective catalysis of the carboxylic cyclization reaction between propargylic amines and CO₂ to produce various functionalized oxazolidinone derivatives under mild conditions. The yield is up to 99% and the turnover frequency (TOF) reaches a record value of 1058 h⁻¹, significantly surpassing almost all previously reported metal heterogeneous catalysts. Furthermore, Cu^I@TpBD-COF also demonstrates efficient catalytic activity when simulated flue gas is used as the source of CO₂. This work provides new guidance for the design of more efficient and eco-friendly noble-metal-free catalytic materials to drive the ideal CO₂ chemical fixation process.