Zwitterion π–conjugated nanoporous polymer based on guanidinium and β-ketoenol as a heterogeneous organo-catalyst for chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
The chemical fixation of CO2 with epoxides to cyclic carbonate is an attractive 100% atom economic reaction. It is a safe and green alternative to the route from diols and toxic phosgene. In this manuscript, we present a new zwitterionic π–conjugated nanoporous catalyst (Covalent Organic Polymer, COP-213) based on guanidinium and β-ketoenol functionality, that is synthesized from triaminoguanidinium halide (TGCl) and β-ketoenols via ampoule method at 120°C. The catalyst is characterized by NMR, FTIR-ATR, PXRD, TGA, and for surface area (BET) and CO2 uptake. It shows quantitative conversion and selectivity in chemical fixation of CO2 to epoxides under ambient conditions and without the need for co-catalysts, metals, solvent, or pressure. The catalyst can be recycled at least three times without loss of reactivity.