Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 Catalysts in the Conversion of CO₂ to Chloropropene Carbonate

The catalytic activity of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and amine-functionalized ZIF-8 catalysts in the synthesis of chloropropene carbonate from CO2 and epichlorohydrin is demonstrated. In contrast to hitherto known catalysts, ZIF-8 catalysts displayed high epoxide conversions and moderate to high selectivities to chloropropene carbonate at reaction temperatures as low as 70 °C. No cocatalysts or solvents were required during the reaction. The incorporation of ethylenediamine in ZIF-8 enhanced its catalytic performance as a result of the higher CO2 adsorption capacity of the amine-functionalized samples. The ZIF-8 catalysts, however, lost their distinctive crystalline structure and superior catalytic performance when attempts were made to recycle them after use.