Cyclic carbonates synthesis from epoxides and CO2 over NIIC-10 metal-organic frameworks

• Zn-based MOFs in the presence tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) selectively catalyse conversion of CO 2 to cyclic carbonates. • Good to quantitative yields are obtained on aromatic, aliphatic epoxides, including fluorinated, di-substituted epoxides and bicyclic. • The MOF catalyst has been reused in five cycles. A series of microporous metal-organic frameworks, NIIC-10, based on 2,5-thiophendicarboxylate (tdc 2– ), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco), polyol ligands and Zn-ions were investigated in carboxylation of mono-, di and tri-substituted epoxides in the presence of tetrabuthylammonium bromide (TBAB). Reactions were carried out in solventless media under CO 2 atmosphere and 80°C. All resulting mono- and disubstituted cyclic carbonates were obtained in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the catalyst also showed good selectivity and recyclability for five cycles without a significant loss of activity.