Application of CO2 as С1-Synthon in Organic Chemistry: II: Catalytic Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates (Carbamates) from CO2 and Epoxides (Aziridines)

CO2 composes cheap, easily available and practically inexhaustible source of synthetic carbon (C1-synthon). Among the various transformations of carbon dioxide, synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbamates from aziridines can be referred to the priority areas in the development of contemporary chemical synthesis and catalysis. Cyclic carbonates found wide application in modern industry (electrolytes, solvents, reagents, polymers) and their use and production will be constantly increased. At the forefront of research appears the development of effective catalytic processes, allowing carry out the synthesis of carbonates under mild conditions (atmospheric pressure of CO2 or lower, temperature - 25°С) with low catalyst loads, which sustains its high activity for a long time and is affordable. In the current review we analyze the existing directions of research and catalytic systems based on salts of cheap and earth-abundant metals Al3+, Fe2+(3+) and Zn2+ for the preparation of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbamates from aziridines.