Histidine-catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates in supercritical carbon dioxide

The coupling reaction of carbon dioxide with epoxides was investigated using naturally occurring α-amino acids as the catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide and it was found that L-histidine is the most active catalyst. In the presence of 0.8 mol% of L-histidine at 130 °C under 8 MPa of CO₂, the reaction of carbon dioxide with epoxides proceeded smoothly, affording corresponding cyclic carbonates in good to excellent yields.