Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides catalyzed by metal–BINOL complexes

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO 2 and terminal epoxides catalyzed by Mg, Ca and In BINOL complexes was achieved without organic solvents. Effects of temperature, CO 2 pressure, reaction time and co-catalyst on the cycloaddition were investigated. Propylene carbonate was obtained under a CO 2 pressure of 1.2 MPa within 10 hours in a yield of 98% catalyzed by Ca–BINOL at 120°C. The order of catalytic activity of the metal center is Ca > In > Mg. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.