Highly efficient 3d/4d-4f coordination polymer catalysts for carbon dioxide fixation into cyclic carbonates

Two novel highly efficient 3d/4d-4f one-dimensional (1D) double-chain coordination polymer catalysts with unique structures were synthesized for the first time. An X-ray single crystal structure analysis revealed that the two compounds are isomorphous and have a 1D metal-organic network coordination polymer structure. Both compounds also showed significant thermal stability and their structures remained stable up to 325 degrees C. The reaction conditions, type of substrate, amount of catalyst and its catalytic mechanism were investigated. The catalysts ([Dy2M2L4 (OAc)(2) (MeOH)(5) (H2O)]) (M = Zn, Cd) exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the cycloaddition of CO2 and styrene oxide (C8H8O, SO). High product yields, high selectivity, and the highest turnover frequency (TOF) of 28400 h(-1) were achieved. Additionally, the catalysts can significantly enhance the application of the present types of 3d/4d-4f catalysts in catalysis for transformations involving the fixation of CO2.