Metal-free, redox-neutral, and visible light-triggered coupling of CO2 with epoxides to cyclic carbonates at atmospheric pressure

Abstract

The metal-free, redox-neutral, photocatalyzed insertion of CO₂ into epoxides to give cyclic carbonates under visible light irradiation at atmospheric pressure is demonstrated. In this approach we used 9,10-anthraquinone as a catalyst in conjunction with an n-tetra-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) co-catalyst with 20 W LED light for the coupling of CO₂ with epoxides to form cyclic carbonates under ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions. The developed methodology provides an effective and sustainable approach for CO₂ valorisation to produce high value commodity chemicals and shows promise for future applications in the area of CO₂ utilization.