Transformation of CO2 incorporated in adducts of N-heterocyclic carbene into dialkyl carbonates under ambient conditions: An experimental and mechanistic study

The undesirable greenhouse gas CO2 is chemically also a sustainable carbon resource to synthesize value-added products. Herein we report a two-step strategy for the transformation of CO2 into dialkyl carbonates under ambient pressure and temperature. CO2 is initially captured and activated in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids ([CmC1Im][An], m = 2, 4; An = [HCO3]−, [OAc]−, [Triz]−), forming the adducts of N-heterocyclic carbene...