Self-assembly of tetranuclear 3d–4f helicates as highly efficient catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition reactions under mild conditions

A series of 4-nuclear lanthanide clusters supported by organic ligands Zn3LnL4 (Ln = Dy(1), Gd(2), Er(3)) were synthesized. These helicates could be used to convert CO₂ into cyclic carbonates with TOF up to 38 000 h⁻¹, without being influenced by moisture or air.