Selective Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonate by Salalen–Aluminum Complexes and Mechanistic Studies

Salalen–aluminum complexes were synthesized and used as catalysts in the reactions of CO₂ with different epoxides. The reaction of cyclohexene oxide and CO₂ was thoroughly investigated. In particular, the effect of the reaction conditions (nature and equivalents of the co-catalyst, CO₂ pressure, and temperature) and of the ligands (substituents on the ancillary ligand, nature of the labile ligand, and nature of the nitrogen-donor atoms) on the results of this reaction was studied. The cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ with terminal epoxides bearing different functional groups was realized. Moreover, NMR mechanistic studies provided information on the catalytic cycle. Interestingly, the characterization of an intermediate species in the mechanism of the reaction of cyclohexene oxide with CO₂, catalyzed by one of the salalen–aluminum complexes, was accomplished.