The
catalytic cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to afford
cyclic carbonates as useful monomers, intermediates, solvents, and
additives is a continuously growing field of investigation as a way
to carry out the atom-economic conversion of CO2 to value-added
products. Metal-free organocatalytic compounds are attractive systems
among various catalysts for such transformations because they are
inexpensive, nontoxic, and readily available. Herein, we highlight
and discuss key advances in the development of polymer-based organocatalytic
materials that match these requirements of affordability and availability
by considering their synthetic routes, the monomers, and the supports
employed. The discussion is organized according to the number (monofunctional
versus bifunctional materials) and type of catalytically active moieties,
including both halide-based and halide-free systems. Two general synthetic
approaches are identified based on the postsynthetic functionalization
of polymeric supports or the copolymerization of monomers bearing
catalytically active moieties. After a review of the material syntheses
and catalytic activities, the chemical and structural features affecting
catalytic performance are discussed. Based on such analysis, some
strategies for the future design of affordable and readily available
polymer-based organocatalysts with enhanced catalytic activity under
mild conditions are considered.