Electrosynthesis of Cyclic Carbonates From CO2 and Diols in Ionic Liquids Under Mild Conditions

Abstract

A new electrochemical process for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and diols has been tested in CO2-saturated room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) for the first time. The synthesis has been carried out under mild and safe condition in undivided cell without any additional catalysts. The influence of reaction conditions, such as electrode materials, electrolysis potential, temperature, diol concentration and composition of RTILs, have been investigated. The recyclability of RTILs also has been confirmed. Moreover, the electrochemical reduction behavior has been studied by cyclic voltammetry.