Cyclic carbonate synthesis from epoxides and CO2 over cyanocobalamin/n-Bu4NI

The synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide catalyzed by cyanocobalamin and n -Bu 4 NI system was achieved under 0.8 MPa CO 2 pressure at 140°C without organic solvents. Propylene carbonate was obtained in 99% yield within 6 h under the optimized reaction conditions. The cyanocobalamin catalyst could be recycled with water and retained moderate catalytic activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.