Metal complexes of salen ligands are an important class of compounds, and they have been widely studied in the past. Among their successful catalytic applications, the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by the coupling reaction of epoxides with CO(2) has received increased attention; this is mostly due to the importance of using a greenhouse gas as a feedstock for the synthesis of useful molecules. Herein the most relevant past and present research surrounding this topic is presented.

Zn(salphen) complexes are reported as effective, cheap, robust and relatively green catalysts for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to terminal epoxides to afford cyclic carbonates in good yields.

Conditions matter: The cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to various epoxides catalyzed by Zn(salphen) complexes to selectively yield cyclic carbonates may be performed under ambient conditions. This newly developed process for cyclic carbonates meets the requirements of sustainable and green technology.

COVER ARTICLE Kleij, Pescarmona et al. A highly active Zn(salphen) catalyst for production of organic carbonates in a green CO 2 medium 2044-4753(2012)2:11;1-B Downloaded on

Salen‐Metall‐Komplexe bilden eine wichtige Klasse von Verbindungen und wurden in der Vergangenheit ausführlich untersucht. Zu ihren katalytische Anwendungen, die es in großer Zahl gibt, zählt auch die Synthese cyclischer Carbonate durch die Kupplung von Epoxiden mit CO2 , das als Atmosphärengas ein attraktiver Rohstoff für technische Verfahren ist. Wir berichten hier über die wichtigsten früheren und aktuellen Forschungsarbeiten zu diesem Thema.