Electron-deficient boronic acid catalyzed cyclization of CO2 and epoxides

Abstract

Utilizing CO₂ as an abundant and low-cost C1 resource for the production of value-added chemicals is of significant industrial interest. This work introduces a metal-free cyclization of CO₂ and epoxides into cyclic carbonates, catalyzed by electron-deficient, fluorine-substituted boronic acids under mild conditions. The catalysts demonstrate high activity and selectivity under mild condtions in non-polar solvents, with excellent compatibility with various functional groups such as heterocycle, alkene, phthalimide and chloride (13 examples, 53–95 % yields). The electron deficiency by F-substitution and the use of non-polar solvents enhance B-O interactions, allowing excellent catalytic performance and 6 times of catalyst recycling. This work highlights an effective strategy for CO₂ utilization, advancing recyclable boronic acid catalysts in green chemistry.