One-pot synthesis of copper phthalocyanine polymer: An efficient CO2 fixation catalyst

The chemical transformation of CO2 into high-value-added products is not only favourable to environmental preservation, but also promising for economy. Developing novel and practical catalysts play a critical role in facilitating conversion of CO2 and the synthesis of high value-added chemicals. Herein, we present the fabrication of biphenyl-typed copper phthalocyanine polymer (BPh-CuPc) from 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxy) biphenyl via a one-pot synthesis procedure, and application of it as a promising catalyst for CO2 conversion into cyclocarbonate. FTIR, XPS, UV-vis, TGA and SEM measurements confirm the successful fabrication of BPh-CuPc. Attributing to the existence of copper ions which can act as a Lewis acid to activate epoxide, and phthalocyanine rings that is positive for CO2 absorption, within the chemical framework of BPh-CuPc, it exhibits excellent catalytic activity for CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions when combined with tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI). As a result, a 98 % yield and 99 % selectivity are obtained for the BPh-CuPc/ TBAI system in CO2/propylene oxide conversion under condition of 90 degrees C, 8 h and 2.0 MPa. The obtained high yield and selectivity, as well as remarkable stability and versatility, validate the promising application of BPh-CuPc as a CO2 conversion catalyst. Synopsis: Attributing to the existence of copper ions and phthalocyanine rings within the chemical framework, BPh-CuPc exhibits excellent catalytic activity for CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.