Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide Catalyzed by MgCl2

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2), a stable and cheap salt, works as an active catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and atmospheric-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2). Various epoxides are converted to the corresponding cyclic carbonates in good to high yields. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2), a stable, cheap, and easy-to-handle salt, works as an active catalyst for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides under an atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2).