Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 in acetonitrile via the synergistic action of BMIMBr and electrogenerated magnesium

Using 1-butyl-3-methyl- imidazolium bromide (BMIMBr) as the supporting electrolyte and magnesium as the sacrificial anode, a new and highly efficient electrochemically catalytic route was developed for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO 2 . Based on the cooperative action of BMIMBr and an electrogenerated magnesium salt obtained under a N 2 atmosphere, CO 2 reacted with a wide range of epoxides to readily generate cyclic carbonates in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions.