A polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based catalyst for the efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates. Issue 11 (5th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bivona, Lucia A.; Fichera, Ornella; Fusaro, Luca; Giacalone, Francesco; Buaki-Sogo, Mireia; Gruttadauria, Michelangelo; Aprile, Carmela
• Is Part Of: Catalysis science & technology. Volume 5:Issue 11(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 5000
• Page End: 5007
• Publication Date: 2015-08-05
• Subjects: Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.395
• DOI: 10.1039/c5cy00830a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-4753

Abstract

Abstract : Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane functionalized with imidazolium chloride peripheries was synthesized and successfully used as a catalyst for CO2 conversion. Abstract : Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane functionalized with imidazolium chloride peripheries (POSS-Imi ) was successfully synthesized through a novel synthesis protocol. The solid was extensively characterized via 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as combustion chemical analysis, mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, an in-depth investigation through 29 Si NMR was performed.POSS-Imi was used for the first time as a catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates with excellent results in terms of both yield and selectivity. The catalyst displayed improved catalytic performance with respect to unsupported 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The enhanced activity was ascribed to the proximity effect generated by the increased local concentration of imidazolium species surrounding the inorganic silsesquioxane core.