Green Conversion of Epoxides to Cyclic Carbonates by Copper Nanocrystals Fabricated on Jute Tartaric Acid Composite Surface

Abstract

The synthesis of copper nanocrystals on tartaric acid jute composite surface is reported. The formation of nanocrystals is detected by FT IR, Powder X-ray diffraction, SEM, and TEM analysis. The average size of the nanocrystals is found to be 500 nm. The reaction of the copper nanocrystals with CO₂ resulted in a decrease in the size of the nanoparticles. Cycloaddition reaction of epoxides to cyclic carbonate is efficiently carried out by the copper nanocrystals on tartaric acid jute composite surface (CUNPJT) without using any cocatalyst and solvent. To the best of author's knowledge, this is the first example of copper nanocrystals catalyzing the cycloaddition of CO₂ and epoxide.