Catalytic performance of pyridinium salt ionic liquid in the synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide and butyl glycidyl ether

The catalytic performance of pyridinium salt ionic liquids in the reaction of butyl glycidyl ether and carbon dioxide was investigated in this study. The catalytic activity was studied in a batch reactor with different 1-alkylpyridinium salt ionic liquids at 60–140°C. The conversion of butyl glycidyl ether was affected by the structure of the ionic liquid; the one with the cation of bulkier alkyl chain length showed better reactivity. The effect of carbon dioxide pressure, reaction temperature and zinc bromide co-catalyst on this reaction was also discussed.