Amino acids/superbases as eco-friendly catalyst system for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates under metal-free and halide-free conditions |
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| Authors: | Yaqiong Qi Weiguo Cheng Fei Xu |
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| Affiliation: | 1. State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Department of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, P. R. China;2. Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China;3. Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China |
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| Abstract: | An eco-friendly and efficient binary catalyst system of superbases and amino acids was developed for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 under metal-free and halide-free conditions. Among the various amino acids and superbases systems tested, the L-histidine/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) system achieved the highest conversion of propylene oxide and selectivity of propylene carbonate. The effect of various reaction parameters was evaluated. A possible catalyst mechanism for L-histidine synergized with DBU in the ring opening of epoxide and DBU introduced CO2 activation. The process herein represents a green, simple, and cost-effective route for the chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates. |
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| Keywords: | Amino acid carbon dioxide cyclic carbonates epoxides superbase |
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