Abstract

Natural α-amino acids-derived ionic liquids comprising 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and amino acid anion, i.e. [bmim][AA] were found to be effective catalysts for the coupling of various epoxides and CO2 to produce cyclic carbonates in good yields and selectivity, which requires no additional organic solvent and avoids halogen.

Keywords: Amino acid-based ionic liquid, carbon dioxide, cycloaddition, epoxide, halogen-free process, solvent-free reaction