New zinc catalysts based on easy-to-handle N4-chelating ligands for the coupling reaction of epoxides with CO2

In this contribution, we report the successful utilization of several zinc complexes based on the N-4-N,N-bis(2-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-benzene chelating ligand (and some of its variations) as catalysts in the coupling of epoxides with carbon dioxide to afford cyclic carbonates in good yields. The complexes were tested with cyclohexene oxide and propylene oxide. A broader catalytic screening involving several commercial available epoxides was also carried out with a selected catalyst. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.