Efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide using polymer anchored diol functionalized ionic liquids as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst

A highly efficient catalytic protocol using polymer supported diol functionalized ionic liquids (PS-DFILX) was developed for cyclic carbonates synthesis from carbon dioxide and epoxide providing remarkable yields of desired products under solvent free conditions. The developed methodology was found to be applicable for a wide variety of epoxides producing the corresponding cyclic carbonate in good to excellent yields. Besides this, the catalyst could be reused for five consecutive recycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity. The hydroxyl groups present on the vicinal carbon of the catalyst seems to be vital for efficiency of the catalyst endowing high activity, stability and recyclability. The present protocol thus offers appreciable advantages with respect to excellent yield, short reaction time, operational simplicity and environmentally benign characteristics.