A poly(ethylene glycol)-supported quaternary ammonium salt for highly efficient and environmentally friendly chemical fixation of CO2 with epoxides under supercritical conditions

Abstract A PEG-supported quaternary ammonium salt is proved to be an efficient and recyclable homogeneous catalyst for solvent-free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides under supercritical conditions. Supporting Bu 4 NBr on soluble polymer PEG6000 enhances the catalytic activity. The workup procedure is straightforward, and the catalyst can be reused over five times with no appreciable loss of catalytic activity and selectivity.