Synthesis of functionalised cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide catalysed by electrogenerated nickel complexes

Abstract

Functionalised cyclic carbonates are obtained in good yields and under mild conditions from epoxides and carbon dioxide by an electrochemical procedure. The cyclic carbonate formation is catalysed by Ni(cyclam)Br2 and is carried out in single-compartment cells fitted with a magnesium anode. The presence of several functional groups such as chlorine, bromine, ether, ester or olefins are compatible with the reaction conditions.