Topologically diverse shape-persistent bis-(Zn-salphen) catalysts: efficient cyclic carbonate formation under mild conditions

By adopting a shape-persistent bimetallic design approach, high initial molecular turnover frequencies (up to 14 800 h −1 ) for coupling of CO 2 with epoxides in conjunction with n Bu 4 NI, plus excellent yields under mild conditions (1 bar of CO 2 , 45 °C) have been achieved for catalysts containing cofacial Zn-salphen units. High initial molecular turnover frequencies (up to 14 800 h −1 ) for coupling of CO 2 with epoxides in conjunction with n Bu 4 NI, and excellent yields under mild conditions (1 bar p CO 2 , 45 °C) have been achieved for rigidly-linked bimetallic catalysts featuring cofacial Zn-salphen units.