A bimetallic iron(<scp>iii</scp>) catalyst for CO₂/epoxide coupling

Abstract

A novel di-iron(III) catalyst for the copolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide and CO(2) to yield poly(cyclohexene carbonate), under mild conditions, is reported. The catalyst selectivity was completely changed on addition of an ammonium co-catalyst to yield only the cis-isomer of the cyclic carbonate, also under mild conditions. Additionally, the catalyst was active for propylene carbonate and styrene carbonate production at 1 atm pressure.