Rational Design of Porous Organic Framework (POF) for Efficient Conversion of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonates and 2-Oxazolidinones at Atmospheric Pressure Conditions.

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and its subsequent catalytic fixation into usable compounds represent a potential approach for addressing the energy problem and the implications of global warming. Hence, it is necessary to develop effective catalytic systems required for the transformation of CO₂ into valuable chemicals/fuels. Herein, we rationally designed a hydroxyl-functionalized porous organic framework (OH-POF) consisting of both acidic (OH) as well as basic N sites for the transformation of CO₂ using epoxides for the production of cyclic carbonates (CCs), a useful commodity chemical under environmental-friendly, metal/solvent/co-catalyst-free conditions. Moreover, OH-POF was post-synthetically modified to anchor non-noble metal, Zn(II) to generate Zn-POF and further explored it for the efficient functionalization of CO₂ with propargylic amines to generate valuable bioactive 2-oxazolidinones. Significantly, both OH-POF and Zn-POF demonstrated exceptional reusability with catalytic efficacy retained across numerous cycles of use. Notably, this study showcases a green and sustainable process for utilization of CO₂ under environmentally favorable ambient conditions into two highly valuable compounds, viz cyclic carbonates and 2-oxazolidinones.