Fe(III)-Anchored Porphyrin-Based Nanoporous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Green Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO2 under Atmospheric Pressure Conditions

The utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a C1 source coupled with olefins, readily accessible feedstocks, offers dual advantages of mitigating atmospheric carbon dioxide and green synthesis of valuable chemicals. In this regard, herein we demonstrate the application of Fe(III)-anchored porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (P-COF) as a promising recyclable catalyst for one-step generation of cyclic carbonates (CCs), value-added commodity chemicals from olefins and CO2, under mild atmospheric pressure conditions. Moreover, this one-pot synthesis was applied to transform various olefins (aliphatic and aromatic) into the corresponding CCs in good yield and selectivity. In addition, the Fe(III)@P-COF showed good recyclability and durability for multiple reuse cycles without losing its catalytic activity. Notably, this one-step synthesis strategy presents an eco-friendly, atom-economic alternative to the conventional two-step process requiring epoxides. This work represents a rare demonstration of porphyrin COF-catalyzed one-pot CC synthesis by utilizing readily available olefins at atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide.