Easily accessible bifunctional Zn(salpyr) catalysts for the formation of organic carbonates

Alkylated Zn(salpyr) complexes (salpyr = N,N′-bis[salicylidene]-3,4-pyridinediamine) were prepared and used as catalyst precursors for the formation of cyclic carbonates from a range of (functional) epoxides and CO2. Reaction conditions were optimized to achieve good isolated yields of the targeted products. The molecular structure of the most active bifunctional Zn(salpyr) derivative was also resolved by X-ray diffraction.