The recyclable and heterogenized catalyst [bpy-CTF-AI(OTf)2][Co(CO)4] (bpy = bipyridine) efficiently converts propylene oxide into β-butyrolactone with high selectivity.

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The synthesis of a unique heterogeneous catalyst that combines the functionality of a homogeneous catalyst and the advantages of a heterogeneous catalytic process is a continuing goal in various industrially applicable reactions. Here, we report heterogenization of homogeneous catalyst for lactone production from epoxide carbonylation through a facile polymerization using Friedel–Crafts reaction. A correlation between reactivity and degree of heterogeneity has been deduced by synthesizing different sized polymeric catalysts. The partially polymerized catalyst showed a remarkable initial turnover frequency of 400 h–1, and the fully polymerized catalyst displayed excellent selectivity during recycling with a total turnover number of 4100.

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β-Hydroxy esters are considered as potential building blocks for the production of fine chemicals and potential drug molecules in various industries. Developing an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of β-hydroxy esters is challenging. Here we report the first ionic-liquid-based heterogenized cobalt catalyst, [imidazolium-CTF][Co(CO)], for the direct ring-opening carbonylation of propylene oxide to methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (MHB) with 86% selectivity (>99% conversion).