Electrosynthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and atmospheric pressure carbon dioxide

Mechanistic Study of the Electrosynthesis of Propylene Carbonate from Propylene Oxide and CO2 on Copper Electrodes

“…Cyclic carbonates can be utilized as fuel additives, as electrolytes for Li ion batteries, as plastics, as green reagents [4] and as raw material for the production of dimethyl carbonate, [5] which is considered as a replacement for more toxic solvents in paints and coatings since it is exempt from the restrictions placed on most volatile organic products. [10][11][12] Several metals such as copper, [12] stainless steel, [13] graphite, [13] silver [14] and nickel, [14] have been tested for the conversion of propylene oxide and CO 2 to propylene carbonate, obtaining the highest conversion (99 %) on copper. [6][7][8][9] High temperature and high pressure are frequently required due to the relatively low reactivity of CO 2 .…”

“…Many catalyst systems have been developed for the conversion of CO 2 to cyclic carbonates. [13] Although substantial efforts have been invested towards the achievement of a highly efficient process, the mechanism of this reaction is still under debate. Electrochemistry would provide an alternative manner to activate carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and low temperature.…”

“…Electrosynthesis of cyclic carbonates has been performed under mild conditions with the achievement of an efficient and selective process. [10][11][12] Several metals such as copper, [12] stainless steel, [13] graphite, [13] silver [14] and nickel, [14] have been tested for the conversion of propylene oxide and CO 2 to propylene carbonate, obtaining the highest conversion (99 %) on copper. [13] Although substantial efforts have been invested towards the achievement of a highly efficient process, the mechanism of this reaction is still under debate.…”

A DFT Exploration of Efficient Catalysts Based on Metal‐Salen Monomers for the Cycloaddition Reaction of CO2 to Propylene Oxide

“…One of the most promising reactions is the atom‐efficient cycloaddition reaction coupling epoxides and CO 2 to form cyclic carbonates, which are very useful in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries . Although cyclic carbonate synthesis via homogeneous catalysts has been industrialized and lots of catalysts have been studied for CO 2 conversions, such as alkali metal halides, ionic liquids, ternary ammonium salts and transition‐metal complexes, these catalysts suffer from low stability, low reactivity, toxicity issues, and low cost‐effectiveness. Further, most reactions need high temperatures and high pressures, and the products are difficult to separate.…”

Microwave assisted synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and urea

“…Glycerol carbonate can be synthesized by using different reactants, such as glycerol and glycidol [7]. In recent years, synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol has received much attention.…”