Coupling reaction of epoxide and carbon dioxide catalysed by alkali metal salts in the presence of ß-cyclodextrin derivatives

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the coupling reaction of epoxide and CO₂ catalysed by alkali metal salts in the presence of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) derivatives to generate cyclic carbonates at various conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The coupling reaction was catalysed by alkali metal salts. The effects of the co-catalysts were investigated by using the conversion rate of raw materials. The affecting factors, such as reaction temperature, amount of the co-catalyst and reaction time, were explored. The possible mechanism of the coupling reaction was discussed.

Findings

Results showed that the structure of ß-CD is an important factor influencing the catalytic activity for the coupling reaction of epoxide with CO₂. The catalytic system of 2,3,6-trimethyl-ß-CD with potassium iodide (KI) showed a high catalytic activity. The protocol was expanded to various epoxides, which provided the corresponding cyclic carbonates in excellent yields. The apparent decrease in the yields was not detected after four recycling times. Moreover, the mechanism for the synergetic effect of the catalyst was proposed.

Originality/value

The coupling reactions were achieved in the presence of different structure of ß-CD as co-catalysts. The affecting of substituent of ß-CD were investigated.

Citation

Guangqing, Z., Qin, S., Zhen, L., Haiyan, H., Hui, L. and Chang, T. (2017), "Coupling reaction of epoxide and carbon dioxide catalysed by alkali metal salts in the presence of ß-cyclodextrin derivatives", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 159-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-12-2016-0172