Chemical fixation of CO2 with epoxides: towards the synthesis of cyclic carbonates, precursors of CO2-based polyurethanes

Due to concerns about global warming combined with the decrease of fossil resources, the chemical transformation of carbon dioxide into added-value products has gained interest in both academic and industrial fields. To date, the chemical fixation of CO2 onto epoxides is one of the most promising ways to valorize carbon dioxide at an industrial scale . Indeed, cyclic carbonates are useful intermediates for polycarbonates and polyurethanes synthesis or can be used as electrolytes in lithium ion batteries. Although fixation of carbon dioxide onto epoxides has been extensively studied, the design of highly effective catalysts still remains a challenge. Here, we present a new highly efficient biocomponent organocatalyst based on the use of an ammonium salt (TBAI) in combination with single or double hydrogen bond donors activators (typically fluorinated alcohols).