April 22th 2013
Azaphosphatranes prove to be efficient single component, metal-free catalyst for the reaction of epoxides with CO2. The obtained cyclic carbonates are widely used as electrolyte components in lithium batteries. Other known catalysts of this reaction revealed unsatisfactory (additives or organic solvent needed, harsh reaction conditions, presence of toxic metals etc.).
Journal of the American Chemical Society 2013, 135(14), 5348-51