Novel Cobalt Complex as an Efficient Catalyst for Converting CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates under Mild Conditions

Abstract

Based on the ligand H2dpPzda (1), a novel cobalt complex [Co(H2dpPzda)(NCS)2]·CH3OH(2) has been synthesized and characterized. The Complex 2 exhibited excellent catalytic performance for converting CO2 into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions. For propylene oxide (PO) and CO2 synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC), the catalytic system showed a remarkable TOF as high as 29,200 h−1. The catalytic system also showed broad substrate scope of epoxide. Additionally, the catalyst could be recycled to maintain the integrity of the structure and remained equal to the level of its catalytic activity even after seven catalytic rounds. Additionally, a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed due to the high catalytic activity which might be owing to the synergism of Lewis acidic metal centers and N group.

A New Dinuclear Cobalt Complex for Copolymerization of CO2 and Propylene Oxide: High Activity and Selectivity

“…The problem is that CO 2 is a highly stable and low-reactivity molecule, making it difficult to use CO 2 as a reagent in a chemical reaction. Inspired by Inoue’s pioneering work, researchers have developed many catalysts [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Nevertheless, it is still a big challenge for scientists to develop low-cost, easily prepared and highly efficient catalysts for fixation and conversion of CO 2 under mild conditions.…”