Efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones by simple zinc guanidinato complexes

Abstract

Guanidinato-stabilized zinc complexes, featuring or lacking additional functionalities, were synthesized through the reaction between guanidine derivatives, specifically (iPrHN)₂CNR (R = Ph, 2-FC₆H₄, 2-Ph₂PC₆H₄, 2-PhSC₆H₄), and ZnMe₂. The simple complex [ZnMe{(iPrN)(iPrNH)CNPh}] has been demonstrated to be a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates via the coupling of epoxides and CO₂ at atmospheric pressure in neat conditions, as well as the production of oxazolidinones through the coupling of epoxides and isocyanates, in 2-MeTHF as a sustainable solvent.