Topologically diverse shape-persistent bis-(Zn–salphen) catalysts: efficient cyclic carbonate formation under mild conditions

Abstract

By adopting a shape-persistent bimetallic design approach, high initial molecular turnover frequencies (up to 14 800 h⁻¹) for coupling of CO₂ with epoxides in conjunction with ⁿBu₄NI, plus excellent yields under mild conditions (1 bar of CO₂, 45 °C) have been achieved for catalysts containing cofacial Zn–salphen units.