0000000000315967
AUTHOR
Prashant U. Naik
Organo-catalyzed synthesis of aliphatic polycarbonates in solvent-free conditions
A new efficient and expeditious route to the synthesis of aliphatic polycarbonates, in solvent-free conditions and using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate (BMIM-2-CO2) as a catalyst precursor, is described. The protocol consists of a two-step polymerization process involving the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with linear alkane diols and leading to high molecular weight homopolymers. The reaction went to completion quantitatively with the liberation of methanol as the only by-product. The in situ formation of N-heterocyclic carbene species resulting from BMIM-2-CO2 decarboxylation is suggested to be a key feature of the condensation process. The protocol was then …
Imidazolium-2-carboxylate as an afficient, expeditious and eco-friendly organocatalyst for glycerol carbonate synthesis
An improved and greener approach towards the synthesis of glycerol carbonate, via transesterification, using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate as catalyst is described. The catalyst loading as low as 1% was sufficient to yield quantitative conversions. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the catalytic cycle leading to product formation.