Efficient DMF-catalyzed coupling of epoxides with CO2 under solvent-free conditions to afford cyclic carbonates

To develop a simple, low-molecule, and cost-effective organocatalyst for the coupling of epoxides with CO2, we have screened this coupling reaction in different organic solvents and found that DMF is an efficient organic catalyst for the coupling of epoxides with CO2 to give cyclic carbonates in high yield. In some cases, the catalytic activity of DMF can be significantly increased by the addition of catalytic amount of H2O.