Conversion of carbon dioxide to cyclic carbonates using diimine Ru(II) complexes as catalysts

Abstract Cationic diimine Ru(II) complexes were synthesized and tested as catalysts for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from CO 2 and liquid epoxides (propylene oxide, epichlorohydrine, 1,2‐epoxybutane and styrene oxide) which served as both reactant and solvent. The reaction rates not only depended on the type of ligand, but also on reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, base, the epoxide substrates and the use of an additional solvent. Reaction rates in terms of turnover frequencies up to 4050 mol product mol cat. −1 h −1 at 99% selectivity were achieved by optimizing the diimine ligand as well as the reaction temperature and CO 2 pressure. Consistent with CV measurements, the electron donating group on the p ‐position of the aryl ring accelerated the reaction rate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.